Kendrick sidelined, Quinlan gets start

Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick was a late scratch from the Angels’ lineup on Sunday against the Dodgers with cramping in his left hamstring. Chone Figgins was moved from third base to second, with Robb Quinlan inserted at third base.

Hamstrings raise instant red flags with Kendrick, who was limited to 92 games last season by two trips to the disabled list for a strained left hamstring — April 14 to May 29 and Aug. 28 to Sept. 21.

Figgins has been almost exclusively a third baseman this season but has extensive experience at second and can make the transition seamlessly.

Quinlan, who had been struggling offensively, is coming off his best game of the season, delivering a double and two singles in four at-bats in Saturday night’s 5-4 loss in 10 innings.

“I’m trying to get my swing back to where I had it in the spring,” Quinlan said. “It felt a lot better last night. Hatch [hitting coach Mickey Hatcher] is helping me get it back. In Seattle, everything was by me. My timing wasn’t there. It just wasn’t pretty, the two games I played there. Sometimes it takes a little time. We’re going in the right direction.”

Quinlan’s start at third is his first of the season. He has made four starts at first base and one in right field, along with three as a DH. Figgins is making his first start at second this season, having started 40 of 42 games at third.

Kendrick has made 37 starts at second, with Maicer Izturis getting five starts there. Izturis has lower back stiffness, manager Mike Scioscia said, but should be available if needed. 

4 comments

  1. halothunder

    Has anyone told Howie that hamstring problems are just about non-existent within the NBA or NHL? It’s because back-stepping or skating are part of the games. If Howie were to slap on the sneakers or skates and put this conditioning in as part of his workout regimen, those hamstring problem might be gone.

  2. halothunder

    Has anyone told Howie that hamstring problems are just about non-existent within the NBA or NHL? It’s because back-stepping or skating are part of the games. If Howie were to slap on the sneakers or skates and put this conditioning in as part of his workout regimen, those hamstring problem might be gone.

  3. halothunder

    Has anyone told Howie to condition upon back-stepping or skate as part of his workout regimen that might get rid of the hammy problems?

    Hammy problems are just about non-existent within the NBA or NHL with it a part of the game.

  4. halothunder

    Has anyone told Howie to condition upon back-stepping or skating as part of his workout regimen that might get rid of the hammy problems?

    Hammy problems are just about non-existent within the NBA or NHL with it a part of the game.

Leave a comment