Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Howie Kendrick is scheduled to play for High-A Rancho Cucamonga in their season opener on Thursday night, the Minor League affiliate announced. The Quakes open their 2016 schedule with a seven-game homestand at LoanMart Field, beginning with a four-game set against the Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres affiliate).
Kendrick was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 25 with a strained left calf. Along with Yasmani Grandal and Hyun-Jin Ryu, Kendrick remained at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch Spring Training facility when the club broke camp last week.
The trio has participated in simulated games as they continue with their respective rehabs. Kendrick was scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup on March 24 due to left calf tightness; he was later diagnosed with a calf strain, though was initially projected to only miss a few games.
He batted .261/.320/.522 with one double, one home run 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. Thus far in his absence, Chase Utley has started at second base in each game. Assuming all goes well, Kendrick should be reinstated from the DL for the Dodgers’ home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
