Phillies place Howie Kendrick on 10-day DL

The Phillies placed outfielder Howie Kendrick on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, with an abdominal strain. He suffered the injury while making a diving catch in left field this past Saturday against the Nationals.

Frustrated with his role with the Dodgers last season, Los Angeles flipped Kendrick to Philadelphia over the winter in what could be viewed as a salary dump. The Dodgers acquired Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney in the deal, and Kendrick opened the season as the Phillies’ everyday left fielder.

In Kendrick’s absence, look for switch-hitting Daniel Nava to see the bulk of the work in left field, though Aaron Altherr and Brock Stassi could also see some action. Kendrick was off to a fine start in 2017, slashing .333/.395/.487 with four doubles, five RBI, and five runs through his first 43 plate appearances. Kendrick’s absence shouldn’t be lengthy.