News
Kendrick, Aybar getting into swing of things
Halos infielders moved up in order after recent success
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
04/26/09 4:04 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- Angels manager Mike Scioscia gave high praise to his middle infield Sunday, especially because shortstop Erick Aybar and second baseman Howard Kendrick have been hitting the ball well recently. Scioscia rewarded the two by moving them up in the batting order Sunday, batting Aybar leadoff for the first time this season and Kendrick fifth. Scioscia credited Aybar for working counts better this season, as Aybar has been reluctant to take walks during his career. Aybar walked just 14 times last year in 346 at-bats, but he has been working to get on base more this season. He's reached base in each of his past six starts entering Sunday, and he was is batting .286 -- despite his .311 on-base percentage, which is still a work in progress. "We've seen some improvements in key areas," Scioscia said. "He's getting in better counts and getting in longer at-bats. His ability to get on base will be critical though. I think he's shown flashes of constancy, but he needs to do it more often." Meanwhile, Kendrick entered Sunday batting just .230 this season, but he went 2-for-3 with two RBIs on Saturday and has hit safely in each of the past three games. Scioscia said Kendrick has been working extensively with hitting coach Mickey Hatcher and that the positive results are apparent. "He's seeing the ball very well," Scioscia said. "This is not a guy we wanted to bat eighth or ninth in your lineup, but sometimes you have to do that. But today we're moving [him] up because he's been hitting well with runners in scoring in position."Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
