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Dodgers: Howie Kendrick Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Bill Pivetz

Jun 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) runs after doubling to right during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) runs after doubling to right during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers second baseman-turned-outfielder Howie Kendrick has been on fire this month. If you need help with hits or average, pick him up.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying everything they can to get back into first place in the National League West. The pitching staff has been rattled with injuries, but the offense is carrying this team. One hitter that is doing more than his fair share is left fielder Howie Kendrick.

If you are looking at his season stats, they may not be what you are looking for in a waiver add. However, if you look at his stats over the last three weeks, nobody’s been hotter at the plate.

For the season, Kendrick has a .274/.337/.379 line with four home runs, 21 RBI and 39 runs scored. He has a 52:26 K:BB ratio, which isn’t too bad either. The power numbers are what they are, but the low batting average has been disappointing. He had a .237 average at the end of June.

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Since July 1, Kendrick has made a complete 180 in his numbers. In 15 games, he is hitting .414/.493/.603 with 24 hits, one home run, seven RBI and a 10:8 K:BB ratio. In that span, he has six multi-hit games including two three-hit and one four-hit games.

Kendrick is currently on a 13-game hitting streak after recording a single in the third inning of Thursday’s game. He has raised his batting average almost 30 points in the last three weeks. He’s also shown an increase in power. While he has just one home run since June 19, he has 11 doubles in that span.

He’s spent some time at second base, but with Chase Utley there, Kendrick’s spent most of the season in left field. With the injuries to Trayce Thompson, Enrique Hernandez and Scott Van Slyke (who has recently returned), Kendrick carved out himself some playing time.

The Dodgers have had some struggles with their star players, like Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig, Kendrick’s success is welcomed. Whether you use average or OBP, Kendrick will contribute to either category.

Next: Koji Uehara Lands on the DL

Kendrick is owned in 33.0 percent of ESPN leagues, up 19.2 percent over the last week. As long as the Dodgers have these injuries to their outfielders, Kendrick will have guaranteed playing time. He’s making good contact with the ball when he sees his pitch and taking his pitches when he needs to. The power numbers aren’t where you want them to be, but he’s doing well at everything else.

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