By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor
Who would have predicted this? Especially after this spring. Especially after working closely with Roy Halladay.
Obviously, I’m talking about Kyle Kendrick and his horrid start to this season. Granted, it’s just two games, but Kendrick has been absolutely rocked by the Washington Nationals. Now, these aren’t your typical Nationals. These guys can hit this year. They’re middle of the pack in runs scored. Of course, which came first — the Nats bats or the Phils and Mets pitchers?
Kyle Kendrick is pitching himself back to the minor league bus.
In his two starts, Kendrick has pitched 5.2 innings and racked up a 17.47 ERA. He’s given up 12 hits and 11 runs, while striking out three and walking three batters.
Kendrick had a solid spring and was the fan favorite to win the fifth spot in the rotation over Jamie Moyer. He worked all spring with new Phillie Roy Halladay, and the advice seemed to be paying dividends.
Kendrick ended up being put in the rotation thanks to an injury to Joe Blanton. Now, we can’t wait for Blanton to return.
For his sake, I hope Kendrick can bounce back from this. Quite frankly, I still think we need him in the fifth spot as Moyer won’t last the season. Based on his history, I don’t know that Kendrick has the mentality to not let this bother him.
He may get another start or two before Blanton returns. Or, we could see Nelson Figueroa in the rotation. And, Ruben Amaro may be calling Pedro Martinez as you read this.
