News
Kendrick fights for time as bat simmers
Los Angeles (63-42) at Chicago (56-52), 11:05 a.m. PT
By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com
08/06/09 1:23 AM ET
CHICAGO -- One of the Angels' hottest hitters -- Howard Kendrick -- finds his way back into the lineup in the series finale at U.S. Cellular Field against White Sox lefty John Danks, who opposes Ervin Santana in Thursday's matinee. With Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar both playing superbly, Kendrick has been an irregular at second base, basically sharing the job with Izturis since returning from Triple-A Salt Lake with his smoking-hot bat. Raising his season average to .273, Kendrick has batted .388 in that stretch, hitting safely in 16 of 19 games, and was the second-leading hitter in the American League (behind Aybar) in July with a .387. But it still hasn't been enough to dislodge Izturis. A switch-hitter, like Aybar, Izturis has drawn most of the starts against right-handers. "Howie, absolutely, we have as a guy who has the potential to play every day at second base," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Right now, we're getting a lot of production out of rotating them. Guys are getting at-bats. "He'll play against Danks, and he'll play against some right-handers, too. Aybar's playing at a high level, Izzy's playing at a high level, Howie's playing at a high level." And only two can play at the same time, unless third baseman Chone Figgins takes a day off -- something that has happened just once this season. Izturis is the backup at third. "My goal coming into the season was to play 162," Figgins said. "I've come pretty close so far." Figgins has another goal now: leading the AL in runs, which he is achieving. Santana is one of the keys to the second half for the Angels as they hope to see their rotation stabilize behind ace John Lackey. Santana showed a glimpse of his 2008 All-Star form on July 16 in Oakland with eight innings of one-run, three-hit artistry, but he has yielded at least five runs in five of his past seven starts. "Ervin was better last time out [in Minnesota, giving up five earned runs in six innings], and we're looking for more progress from him," Scioscia said. Pitching matchupLAA: RHP Ervin Santana (3-6, 7.31 ERA)
Santana's struggles continued at the Metrodome on Friday night when he yielded five earned runs on eight hits and two walks in six innings, striking out six. On the positive side, his velocity was consistently in the 91-93 mph range, an upgrade, and he also appeared to have good command of his slider and changeup. Two big innings were his undoing, with the Twins collecting four extra-base hits. Santana is 2-2 in seven career appearances against the White Sox with a 5.12 ERA. He's 1-1 with a 4.30 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field. CWS: LHP John Danks (9-7, 4.00 ERA)
Danks did not have his best command, but he hung in there long enough to earn a victory on Saturday against the Yankees. Danks lasted six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and four walks. He was outwardly upset in the dugout after exiting with nobody out in the seventh inning of that game, allowing two baserunners to begin the frame, including a walk to his final hitter. Over his past four starts, Danks has struck out 15 batters and walked 14. Despite those numbers, however, he is 4-1 with a 3.08 ERA in his last six starts. Lifetime against the Angels, Danks is 1-1 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts. Tidbits
Scioscia said he plans to keep his current starting five intact for now, with Matt Palmer and Shane Loux available for depth. ... It appears unlikely that right-handers Kelvim Escobar -- still not testing his shoulder after making one start in June -- or Dustin Moseley will have enough time left to make it back to the pitching staff this season. Escobar will be eligible for free agency after the season, and his June 6 start in Detroit might have been his last with the Angels. ... Robb Quinlan, who has been nursing a hamstring ailment, is a .299 career hitter against the White Sox. ... Bobby Abreu's next home run gives him 250 for his career and puts him in exclusive company. Only Willie Mays, Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, Barry Bonds and Craig Biggio have combined 250 homers with 1,000 runs scored, 1,000 walks and 300 steals. Tickets
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• KLAA 830, KFWB, KWKW 1330 (Español) Up next
• Friday: Angels (Joe Saunders, 9-6, 5.07) vs. Rangers (Scott Feldman, 10-4, 3.91), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Saturday: Angels (Jered Weaver, 11-3, 3.79) vs. Rangers (Kevin Millwood, 9-7, 3.39), 1:10 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Angels (John Lackey, 7-4, 3.96) vs. Rangers (Derek Holland, 4-7, 5.60), 12:35 p.m. PT
Lyle Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
