Howie and Garret Update

On the topic of Howie Kendrick, the LA times says this:

"Second baseman Howie Kendrick, out since April 18 because of a broken bone on his left hand, hit .267 (four for 15) with one homer and four runs batted in during the first four games of a triple-A rehabilitation assignment and will remain at Salt Lake until at least Wednesday, at which time he'll be evaluated.

"Physically, he's fine — his bat speed is there — but his timing is not there at the plate," Scioscia said."

Erick Aybar has been starting in Kendrick's place, hitting .276 and driving in 10 runs since the time of the injury. Aybar will likely return to utility duty upon Kendrick's return, with outfielder Tommy Murphy being the most probable player to be sent down.

Garret Anderson, out with a hip injury since the end of April, is nearing a return to the team. This will be a problem for either Reggie Willits or Shea Hillenbrand. According to the LA Times:

"When Anderson, out since April 28, returns, Scioscia will probably rotate Willits through the three outfield spots, and outfielders Anderson, Vladimir Guerrero and Gary Matthews Jr., through the designated hitter spot, in an effort to keep all four outfielders fresh."

If the outfielders take turns at the DH spot, Hillenbrand's playing time will be cut way down, though that is probably a good thing.