Phillies: Howie Kendrick to begin rehab assignment Wednesday
After missing more than a month with an oblique injury Phillies outfielder Howie Kendrick is ready to begin a rehab assignment.
Another Phillies player is nearing a return from the disabled list as Howie Kendrick will start a rehab assignment Wednesday night with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The news was reported by Corey Seidman of CSN Philly.
Kendrick will bat third and play left field for the IronPigs in Wednesday’s game. Manager Pete Mackanin told reporters that Kendrick will play at least four games and will see time in left field as well as at first and third base.
Kendrick lasted just ten games into the season before straining his oblique on a diving catch. In those ten games, Kendrick had a .333/.395/.487 line with a 133 OPS+ along with four doubles and a triple.
More from Phillies News
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
Kendrick took outdoor batting practice for the first time before Tuesday’s game against the Rockies. Prior to that, he had done defensive work on the team’s recent road trip. The batting practice must have gone very well if Kendrick is going to make a rehab appearance just a day later.
In Kendrick’s absence, Aaron Altherr has gotten most of the playing time.
He has taken advantage, hitting for a .320/.407/.621 line with seven home runs and 23 RBI since Kendrick has gone on the disabled list.
Whenever Kendrick does return, Mackanin is unlikely to take Altherr out of the lineup. That means Kendrick could take the spot of the struggling Michael Saunders, who was benched against the Rockies Tuesday night.
Next: Phils Farm Report: Top Prospect Figuring it out
Kendrick could also fill in at third base for Maikel Franco, who was also benched. Mackanin has criticized both Franco and Saunders for their struggles at the plate.