With a crowded outfield and a need to move an unhappy player, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded veteran utility man Howie Kendrick to the Phillies for first baseman Darin Ruf and infielder Darnell Sweeney.
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, Kendrick was unhappy with irregular playing time and asked to be traded. With a need at second base and left field, the Phillies made sense as a possible landing point for the utility player.
Kendrick has one year left on his two-year, $20 million contract. In starting 123 games at four different positions for the Dodgers, Kendrick hit a career-low .255 with a .326 on base percentage.