Howie Kendrick is back after a month and a half on the disabled list.
The Phillies reinstated Kendrick from the DL and he's in the lineup, batting second and playing left field. Meanwhile, slumping center fielder Odubel Herrera has a day off while Maikel Franco was moved down further in the lineup.
Kendrick batted a sterling .333 in his 39 at-bats in April, looking the part of a top-of-the-order hitter. The former infielder played only left field during his 10 games before going down with an oblique injury (see game notes). He gives the Phillies a chance to rest their outfielders or allow them a new look in the corner infield.
Herrera is in the midst of a 1-for-22 slide that has brought his batting average down to .217. Manager Pete Mackanin said postgame on Sunday that he would move Herrera down in the lineup and would give him a few days off at some point with Kendrick back as an extra outfielder. Mackanin hoped a day off would help lessen the pressure on the scuffling Herrera.
Mackanin also mentioned the inconsistent at-bats of Franco, who is down to seventh in the lineup. Catcher Cameron Rupp was moved ahead of him to sixth in the order with Franco batting .213 and going 2 for 18 since his eight-game hitting streak ended on Monday.
Jeremy Hellickson makes his first start since allowing a seven-run third inning to the Rockies on Wednesday. The good news for the righty is that he dominated the Marlins last season and was similiarly strong in a victory vs. the Fish in April.
Philadelphia Phillies
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Here's the full lineup that will oppose Edinson Volquez:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Howie Kendrick, LF
3. Aaron Altherr, CF
4. Tommy Joseph, 1B
5. Michael Saunders, RF
6. Cameron Rupp, C
7. Maikel Franco, 3B
8. Freddy Galvis, SS
9. Jeremy Hellickson, P
