Angels Send Kendrick to DL

Added on May 27, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

The floundering Angels lineup took another hit yesterday when it was announced second baseman Howie Kendrick was shipped to the 15-day disabled list with a bad hamstring. Already missing Kendrys Morales, who is done for the year, and designated hitter/outfielder Vernon Wells, sidelined with a strained groin, the Angels can ill afford to lose their best hitter.

Kendrick leads the Halos with a .322 average, 30 runs scored and 57 hits. His 7 homers ranks second on the team, which has been a pleasant surprise considering he’s only blasted 32 round-trippers in his previous five seasons.

Injuries have plagued Kendrick throughout his career. 2010 was the first time he played more than 105 games. Similar hamstring difficulties cost him nearly half of the 2008 campaign. He brings a solid glove to second base and consistently flirts with .300. He’s eligible to return on June 4.

To fill the roster spot, veteran infielder Russell Branyan has been inked to a contract after being released by Arizona earlier this month. The 35-year-old Branyan has belted 190 home runs in 13 seasons, but a career .233 average has prevented him from being a reliable every day contributor. However, he did hit 56 dingers in 2009 and 2010 while with Seattle and Cleveland.

Branyan is expected to help spell Mark Trumbo at first and help out at DH. General Manager Tony Reagins believes he can provide some added pop as well.

“We know what we’re getting,” Reagins said. “We know what his history is. He’s been in this league and this division, so he knows it pretty well. We know he has the ability to change the game with one swing, but we also know he has struck out in his career and he’ll take a walk.”

The Angels have dropped 10 of their last 15 and currently sit at 26-26, second-place in the AL West. Fortunately for them, the division is completely up for grabs. All four teams are within 2.5 games of first.

Source: ESPN.com