The Los Angeles Dodgers made their first significant move of the offseason Friday, trading veteran Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for second baseman Darnell Sweeney and first baseman/outfielder Darin Ruf.
Kendrick reportedly had grown frustrated over his role with the Dodgers and preferred to be traded instead of returning with the club for another season. He re-signed a two-year, $20 million contract in January and was the presumed starting second baseman.
However, Kendrick began the season on the disabled list while recovering from a calf strain, and Utley took hold of the starting job.
As a result Kendrick became a left fielder, but eventually lost playing time to Andrew Toles. It appears Kendrick will remain an outfielder with the Phillies, though as an everyday player, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com:
Howie Kendrick is expected to be the Phillies' everyday left fielder in 2017.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) November 11, 2016
While the plan for now is for Kendrick to play left field, the Phillies reportedly have been shopping second baseman Cesar Hernandez. He presumably became more expendable with Kendrick now in the fold.
This season Kendrick batted .255/.326/.366 with 26 doubles, eight home runs and 40 RBIs over 146 games. Kendrick’s .691 on-base plus slugging percentage was the lowest of his career. He played 90 games in left field, 29 at second base, 17 at third base and 10 at first base.
