Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 4:45pm

PHILLIES ACQUIRE HOWIE KENDRICK

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick from the Philadelphia Phillies for first baseman/outfielder Darin Ruf and infielder/outfielder Darnell Sweeney.

What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
For the Phillies, Kendrick will probably play second base (his natural position) after spending a lot of time in the outfield for the Dodgers in 2016. He is a streaky hitter who could become a solid, veteran influence next season for a rebuilding squad in Philadelphia.

What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
For the Dodgers, Ruf should play a backup role next season (as a backup first baseman and occasional corner outfielder). As for Sweeney, he is a versatile player who was originally a Dodger. He will go to spring training with a chance to win a bench job with Los Angeles.

Fantasy impact
Kendrick's numbers should at least remain steady after a productive year in Los Angeles, and they might even improve since he will play half the time at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Both Ruf and Sweeney will probably be limited to bench roles with the Dodgers (assuming they both make the team out of spring training), so neither has much in the way of fantasy value at this time.

Player focus

Philadelphia Phillies

Howie Kendrick IF/OF