Scan through the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on any given night and it’s easy to spot multiple players who are scuttling at the plate. One of the club’s most consistent hitters this season — Chase Utley — didn’t start Friday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
For all Utley has brought to the table, quite literally setting the table for the Dodgers as their leadoff hitter, a 37-year-old veteran requires the occasional day off. Howie Kendrick made just his ninth start of the season at second base in Utley’s place.
“It’s one of those things where we have to get Howie going,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s a big part of what we want to do. Chase is doing everything we’ve asked, but a day off here or there is going to help him.”
Kendrick entered play batting a lowly .188/.225/.200, with one double and three RBIs in 27 games (21 starts). He began the season on the disabled list due to a calf strain, and has yet to resemble the steady force he’s proven to be throughout his career.
Kendrick showed some signs of life over the Dodgers’ recent five-game road trip, going 7-for-20 in five starts. Against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, in what appeared to be Kendrick’s coming out party, he went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.
The extra-base hit and RBI were the first of the season for Kendrick. He’s since regressed back to the mean, going 1-for-9 with one strikeout in three games (two starts) against the New York Mets.
Despite the ongoing slump, Roberts remains confident Kendrick will turn the tide. “Mentally, he’s fine. He’s a tireless worker and a professional,” Roberts said.
“It seems like when he does square up the baseball, he isn’t getting rewarded for it. I’m going to continue to make sure he gets in the lineup and gets as many consistent at-bats as possible. I have no doubt he’ll get going.”
Batting leadoff, Kendrick broke out of his slump — at least on Friday night — going 2-for-5 with one RBI. Randal Grichuk robbed Kendrick of a solo home run in the first inning by making a leaping catch in center field.
On the season, the 32-year-old veteran is now hitting .200/.234/.211.
