Kendrick shut down due to shoulder; Miner to rotation

PHILADELPHIA -- Kyle Kendrick said the other day that he got good news about his right shoulder and he hoped to make his final two starts of the season.

He smiled and spoke optimistically about his health.

But then the Phillies suddenly announced Friday that Kendrick's season is over after he received a second opinion regarding the tendinitis in his shoulder. Right-hander Zach Miner will take Kendrick's spot in the rotation the rest of the way.

Asked if he thought something had to be wrong with Kendrick based on his 3-9 record and 6.45 ERA in 14 starts since late June, Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg said, "Not really, because his velocity was fine. He was able to pitch and his stuff was there. As far as movement on the sinker, I thought that was a little less the second part of the season. But other than that, he was healthy enough to pitch and it was a normal sensation that he was feeling. In that regard, I don't think it was an issue."

Kendrick, who had a MRI on Tuesday, is eligible for salary arbitration following the season. The Phillies have an interesting decision to make. They could offer him arbitration, but that most likely means Kendrick will get a raise from the $4.5 million he made this season. But if Kendrick's shoulder is a concern, they could non-tender him and try to re-sign him for less or just let him walk and sign elsewhere.