PHILADELPHIA -- Howie Kendrick's strained left hamstring has become such an issue that he had an MRI exam Monday.
Results were not immediately available.
Kendrick could not stop to talk before Monday night's series opener against the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park, but he took batting practice. Kendrick's health is not particularly pressing for the on-field performance of a team with the worst record in baseball, but the front office hopes to trade him to a contender before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Kendrick has hit .349 with eight doubles, one triple, two home runs, 14 RBIs and an .879 OPS in 139 plate appearances, but it is tough to trade a guy that isn't on the field.
"If I wanted a professional hitter, I sure wouldn't have any pause [about acquiring him]," Phillies president Andy MacPhail said Friday.
Injury news
• Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff (strained upper back) will make a rehab start on Tuesday with Double-A Reading. If it goes well, he is expected to rejoin the rotation Sunday.
• Second baseman Cesar Hernandez has been on the DL since June 11 with a strained left oblique. He has been taking "dry" swings, but is still weeks away from rejoining the team.
• Right-hander Vince Velasquez (strained right elbow flexor) is scheduled to make two more rehab starts. He is expected to rejoin the rotation after the All-Star break.