The Phillies got some encouraging news on Wednesday morning. Outfielder and infielder Howie Kendrick has been cleared to resume baseball activities. As such, Kendrick will head to Double-A Reading to begin a rehab assignment.
With the trade deadline under two weeks away, all eyes will be on the veteran Kendrick. When healthy, Kendrick was one of the most consistent Phillies hitters. In 33 games, Kendrick was batting .349 when he went onto the disabled list with an oblique injury.
When Kendrick returns, he would likely assume left field almost immediately. With Aaron Altherr on the disabled list and Cesar Hernandez back from his disabled list stint, Kendrick could fill the void in left field. While Nick Williams might have been the odd man out with the return of Hernandez and Kendrick and with a healthy Altherr, Williams has played himself into sticking around. Williams, Altherr, Kendrick and Odubel Herrera may have to share time until a player is moved.
While Kendrick will not have much time to showcase his health prior to the July 31 trade deadline, he still may draw trade interest from teams looking for a veteran to plug into the outfield or infield. Kendrick's $10 million salary might make him a candidate to be traded before the August 31 waiver trade deadline, as teams might not claim Kendrick, afraid to take on his full salary. The Phillies likely would be willing to eat money if they bring back talent in return.
Kendrick's last rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley lasted just four games, so Kendrick could be back in Philadelphia by next week.
