Photo: AP/Jeff Roberson
Kyle Kendrick certainly had an interesting season. The 28-year-old spent the first half of the season alternating between the rotation and the bullpen. Before his impressive run from August 14-September 10 (when his ERA was just 1.49), there was one start where Kendrick proved that he belonged in the rotation.
Entering May 26, the Phillies were a game over .500 and in the midst of an important series with the St. Louis Cardinals. Because Vance Worley was injured, Kendrick would get the start.
At this point in time, Phillies fans weren’t exactly comfortable with the idea of Kendrick starting, but he changed some minds in this outing. Kendrick tossed his first complete game shutout of his Major League career. He allowed seven hits, struck out four, and walked nobody.
Not only did he pitch a great game, but he earned the trust from his skipper. After the game, Charlie Manuel acknowledged that he would like to stick with Kendrick in the rotation for the time being.
Everything seemed to work for Kendrick that night. His location was terrific and his slider and change-up were working perfectly. It was just a glimpse of what Phillies fans would later see out of Kendrick towards the end of the season.
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You can learn more about Kyle Kendrick’s season by reading Phillies Nation’s 2012 Player Reviews.
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