Phillies activate Kendrick before Miami opener

MIAMI -- The Phillies activated outfielder/infielder Howie Kendrick from the 10-day disabled list on Monday and wasted little time getting him into the lineup. Kendrick was in the starting lineup for Monday's 4-1 loss to the Marlins, batting second and playing left field. He finished 1-for-4 with a single in his first at-bat of the game.
Kendrick had missed the last 37 Phillies games recovering from a right abdominal strain. He played in four rehab games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he went 2-for-12 with a double and a walk.
"We're going to go day to day and see how he feels," said manager Pete Mackanin.
To make room for Kendrick, right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin was optioned to Lehigh Valley after Sunday's loss to the Reds.
With the Dodgers last season, the versatile Kendrick played the corners positions in both the infield and outfield last season, which could be the plan for him again this season.
"I might end up doing that," Mackanin said. "Let's see what happen in the first two or three days and see how he feels physically, and then we'll just have to go from there."
Kendrick made his 10th Opening Day start and first in left field with the Phillies this season. He needs five homers to reach 100 for his career after reaching milestones in career doubles (300) and RBIs (600) on April 9 against the Mets.