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Howie Kendrick bats on Thursday night for the Reading Fightin' Phils (Steven Kiebach/Sports Talk Philly)
The Phillies got one player back from a disabled list stint, in just enough time to give him a 10-day window to showcase himself before the July 31 trade deadline. After missing several weeks with a strained oblique, Phillies outfielder Howie Kendrick returned to action last night for the Reading Fightin' Phils. But his rehab stint lasted just one day.
The Phillies have officially reinstated Kendrick to the active roster. To make room for Kendrick on the active roster, the Phillies optioned first baseman Brock Stassi to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. While the Phillies outfield is short Aaron Altherr, Kendrick will complete an outfield that includes Odubel Herrera and Nick Williams.
Despite being activated from the disabled list, Kendrick was not scheduled to start for the Phillies against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. The move is likely because the Phillies felt that starting left-handed hitter Daniel Nava against the right-handed Matt Garza was the better matchup.
However, Kendrick is a .529 lifetime hitter off of Garza (9 for 17) while Nava is 0 for 5 with a walk against Garza.
Kendrick went 1 for 4 for the Reading Fightin' Phils, with a home run and two runs scored. In 33 games for the Phillies, Kendrick was batting .349, with an on base percentage of .403 and an .879 OPS.
