CHICAGO - For several days, Aaron Nola had been saying that his lower back strain was getting better.
But it's not getting better quick enough.
The Phillies sent Nola home on Wednesday and he will have an MRI on Thursday in Philadelphia to see what's going on.
"He's been showing signs of getting better, but there's still a little something there that we're going to make sure we get a look at just to see," manager Pete Mackanin said.
Nola simulated three innings in the bullpen on Monday and played catch on Tuesday. After both throwing sessions, he said he was getting better, though he indicated he was not 100 percent.
"He threw three simulated innings, up and down, on Monday and (pitching coach) Bob McClure said his first two were a little tentative and the third one was fine," Mackanin said. "He felt like a spasm in his lower back when he went to tie his shoes so we're not going to take any chances."
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Nola had been on target to make a minor-league rehab start in the coming days. It's still possible he could head out on rehab soon, depending on what Thursday's MRI shows.
Meanwhile, Howie Kendrick continues to make strides coming back from an oblique strain. He is taking balls at several positions and swinging in the batting cage.
"He's pretty close," Mackanin said.
It would not be surprising if Kendrick got some at-bats in the minors before returning.
Mackanin acknowledged that Aaron Altherr's emergence could complicate matters of playing time when Kendrick returns.
"I'd like to see [Kendrick] get back and when he gets back I have to figure out what to do because Altherr is swinging good," Mackanin said.
Kendrick, the Phillies' opening day leftfielder, could get some time at first base. He has been working out at the position the last few days.
"Possibly," Mackanin said. "We've told him, starting in spring training, to work out at third, second and first, take some fly balls in right, you never know with double-switches. The fact that he's played second, third and first, I want to make sure that I cover the bases. So he's been working out there. We'll see as we go along the next week or so how things turn out."
