After serving as a pinch hitter on Friday, Howie Kendrick is finally back in the Phillies' starting lineup.
Kendrick, who returned from the disabled list on Friday after missing nearly a month with a hamstring strain, is batting third and playing left field in his return to the starting lineup. He singled in his lone at-bat on Friday. He replaces Daniel Nava, who left last night's game with a slight hamstring strain.
The veteran left fielder has been one of the Phillies' most productive hitters when he's been healthy. He's had two DL stints that have limited him to just 140 plate appearances this year. In those PAs, he's batting .354/.407/.480 with two home runs and eight doubles. Despite turning 34 on July 12, he leads the Phils with eight stolen bases.
With lefty Brent Suter on the mound and Kendrick back in the lineup, rookie Nick Williams moved down in the lineup. He's batting sixth. He's 3 for 7 with two home runs off left-handed pitching in his short time in the majors.
Meanwhile, Cameron Rupp is back behind the plate after Andrew Knapp started the last two games behind the plate. Rupp has a four-game hitting streak.
Here's the full lineup that will face Suter on Saturday:
Philadelphia Phillies
Complete coverage of the Fightin' Phils and their MLB rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Howie Kendrick, LF
4. Maikel Franco, 3B
5. Tommy Joseph, 1B
6. Nick Williams, RF
7. Odubel Herrera, CF
8. Cameron Rupp, C
9. Jeremy Hellickson, P
For more on Saturday's matchup, check out today's game notes.
