Dodgers Place Howie Kendrick On 15-Day DL; Recall Jose Peraza
The Los Angeles Dodgers may be one of the few teams that can say they traded away an All-Star second baseman and not regret it.
That’s because Howie Kendrick was then acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and has been a consistent presence in multiple spots in the lineup. Kendrick is currently hitting .296 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs in 105 games and has given the Dodgers solid defense up the middle and a veteran presence in the clubhouse. On Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Dodgers not only lost the game, but also their second baseman for at least two weeks.
Kendrick was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a hamstring strain and have recalled prospect Jose Peraza from Triple-A.
Peraza was acquired in the three-team, 13-player deal from the Atlanta Braves and immediately was sent to the OKC Dodgers. In 10 games, the 21-year-old is hitting .385 with five extra-base hits and four RBIs. Overall, Peraza is hitting .302 with 25 extra-base hits, 41 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 106 games. He can play second base, shortstop and some outfield.
The Venezuelan-born prospect will make his Major League debut on Monday against the Washington Nationals, as he is batting second and playing second in the starting lineup.
With Kendrick on the DL, Peraza should get some starts at second, although Kiké Hernandez could receive the bulk of the starts at the spot. Hernandez is hitting .293 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 53 games. He recently said second base is his preferred position and he’s been hitting well as of late.
The Dodgers hope that Kendrick can return as soon as he’s eligible, but with hamstring injuries, it’s always a tricky situation.
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