Howie Kendrick remains out of the Phillies starting lineup
Howie Kendrick was absent from the Phillies starting lineup on Monday for the fifth straight day due to a hamstring issue. He is, however, available to pinch-hit.

"It isn't feeling any worse, but it's also not feeling better," Kendrick said prior to Monday's contest against the Diamondbacks.

Kendrick is hitting .361 through 122 at-bats and, aside from missing six weeks earlier in the season with an abdominal injury, has been the Phillies most reliable offensive threat. It's possible he'll assume designated hitter duties as the Phillies travel to Seattle for a quick two-game set beginning Tuesday night, but if he's unable to play the field when the club visits New York on Friday it's likely he'll be placed on the disabled list.

That's a real problem for the Phillies too, considering Kendrick is arguably their top chip as the trade deadline looms.

Also on the injury front, the Phillies will keep Jerad Eickhoff on the disabled list (upper-back strain) as Mark Leiter Jr. will again take his spot in the rotation - this time Wednesday in Seattle. .

"I feel like I could throw Wednesday, but in all honestly, maybe that would be too quick," Eickhoff said. "We'd rather be safe than sorry and finish the season strong and not risk a setback"

Eickhoff tossed two simulated innings in a bullpen session on Sunday and said he felt great afterwards. It's likely he'll make a rehab start before rejoining the rotation.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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