Phillies Disable Kendrick; Mark Leiter, Jr. Gets Opportunity

Before pre-game warm ups on Tuesday evening, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin told reporters up in Flushing, New York for the Phillies - Mets series that the newly-formed 10-day disabled list made it easier for players to recover from short injuries.  The Phillies later in the day formally placed Howie Kendrick on the 10-day disabled list.  But instead of giving the opportunity to the likes of Roman Quinn, the Phillies added an extra reliever.

Being added to the Phillies 40-man and 25-man roster is pitcher Mark Leiter, Jr.   Leiter is the son of former Phillies starter and closer Mark Leiter.    Leiter appeared in two games for the IronPigs, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing just one earned run.

The Phillies had a 40-man roster spot available courtesy of the suspension of left-handed pitcher Elniery Garcia for performance-enhancing drug use.   Another spot would be available in the future should the Phillies move Clay Buchholz to the 60-day disabled list.

The Phillies have Daniel Nava, Aaron Altherr, and Brock Stassi to fill in for Kendrick in left field, so the Phillies did not think calling up another outfielder was necessary for the time being.   The move means that Andres Blanco is the lone backup middle infielder for the Phillies and likely will be used sparingly for the next week or so.

Kendrick's disabled list stint is retroactive to April 16, meaning he would be eiligible to join the phillies again the middle of next week as the Phillies face the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.