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Phillies: Five things to know vs the Cincinnati Reds

By George Stockburger

Feb 22, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) cut up for a photo during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) cut up for a photo during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) throws the ball as he works out prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) throws the ball as he works out prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Howie Kendrick’s imminent return to the lineup

One of the Phillies biggest acquisitions of the offseason has been largely forgotten by the fan base thanks to an oblique injury. Left fielder Howie Kendrick was cruising through the first 10 games of the season before a diving catch landed him on ice.

Now after missing 34 games with the injury, the veteran is due to return after a four-game rehab stint in Lehigh Valley. Where Kendrick fits onto the depth chart is a question considering the emergence of Aaron Altherr in his absence.

Kendrick is getting time at three positions while rehabbing with the IronPigs: left field, first base, and third. The later will be more of an experiment with Maikel Franco struggling, as Kendrick has limited appearances at the hot corner in his career.

With Odubel Herrera striking out five times Thursday, expect the center fielder to get time off to reset mentally. That spells more time for Aaron Altherr in center field, thus opening a role for Kendrick in left.

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