BY SCOTT LAUBERCLEARWATER, Fla. -- Kyle Kendrick has been optioned to minor-league camp, a somewhat surprising move considering there are nearly two weeks remaining until the season-opener. That leaves J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park as the remaining candidates for the No. 5 starter job.
Kendrick, a 24-year-old right-hander, initially was projected as a slight favorite to win the job by pitching coach Rich Dubee. But he was 1-3 with a 9.20 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts. When I spoke to him the other day, he seemed to know he wasn't going to be the Phillies' fifth starter. He was, however, holding out hope that he'd get a spot in the bullpen. Clearly, though, the Phils want Kendrick to pitch in the rotation at Class AAA Lehigh Valley and continue to develop his changeup. He won 21 games for the Phillies over the past two seasons, but he lacks an effective secondary pitch to augment his signature sinker.
We hope to have some reaction from Kendrick in a bit.
Also, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Brad Harman were optioned to minor-league camp.
Just started raining here, and the Yankees are scurrying off the field. Today's lineup:
3B Eric Bruntlett
CF Jayson Werth
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Matt Stairs
SS Jason Donald
C Ronny Paulino
LHP J.A. Happ
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