Amaro: Phillies will tender Kendrick contract

ATLANTA -- It looks like Kyle Kendrick will be back next season.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. ended speculation about Kendrick's future Saturday afternoon at Turner Field, when he said he planned to tender him a contract in the offseason.

Kendrick is eligible for salary arbitration. He made $4.5 million this season and is expected to receive a raise, despite posting a 3-9 record and 6.45 ERA in his final 14 starts. He went 16-14 with a 3.50 ERA in a 40-start stretch from April 29, 2012-June 25, 2013.

Kendrick finished the season on the disabled list with an injured right shoulder, but the Phillies are woefully thin with starting pitching depth, so Kendrick at least will provide them a durable arm going forward. Both sides say Kendrick's shoulder problems are not serious.

"I don't know why people are asking about that," Amaro said when asked if the Phillies plan to tender Kendrick a contract. "We will."