To no surprise, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Howie Kendrick on the 15-day disabled list when announcing their 25-man active roster on Sunday for Opening Day of the 2016 season. The veteran second baseman was one of eight new players added to the DL.
Kendrick has been out of action since being scratched from the lineup on March 24 due to left calf tightness. He was more accurately diagnosed with a strained left calf in the time after being scratched. Kendrick’s DL stint is retroactive to March 25.
As recently as over the weekend, Kendrick was doing some light jogging and swinging in the batting cage, per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Whereas the club was hopeful Yasmani Grandal would return in time for Opening Day, Kendrick was viewed as much more of a long shot to be on the active roster for the season opener. He remained at Camelback Ranch as the club broke camp and returned home for the Freeway Series.
Kendrick’s left calf strain was initially said to keep him out only a few days. He previously missed 10 days with a sore groin. Kendrick returned March 15, played back-to-back games March 15 and March 16, and in three consecutive games from March 18-20.
He batted .261/.320/.522 with one home run, one double and two RBIs in 24 plate appearances over eight games this spring. As was stated would be the case, Kendrick played some — two games — at third base.
Kendrick missed 34 games last season because of a strained left hamstring. He’s eligible to be reinstated from the DL after missing only five games this season. However, there hasn’t been much of a timetable given for Kendrick’s expected return.
