The reunion between the Washington Nationals and Howie Kendrick has paid off in spades. The second baseman is the glue keeping the offense going.
When the Washington Nationals re-signed Howie Kendrick this off-season, little did anyone know how important a role he would fill.
Forget about how he as done subbing for the injured Daniel Murphy, he is the glue of the Nats offense at the moment. As opposing teams either refusing to pitch, or chase outside, to Bryce Harper, Kendrick’s consistency is the key holding the offense together.
April is a month to forget in Washington history. The Nats cannot win one-run games or at home. Rookie manager Dave Martinez finds the learning curve steeper than planned and the veteran bullpen creaks louder every day from overuse.
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To paraphrase Charles Dickens, this is the worst of times. But, not for Kendrick.
Heading into Saturday afternoon’s game, he has torn the cover off the ball. Kendrick is 8-for-17 at the plate. With his three doubles and one home run, his slash line of .471/.474/.824 leaps off the screen. His 1.297 OPS translates to a 245 OPS+. Production is not his problem.
If Washington hopes to make the playoffs, they need him to produce. Although the last few days are outstanding, his overall slash line of .303/.330/.506 is what they need. When Kendrick makes contact, good things happen. His BAbip is .353. Last week, it jumped to .538.
Get on runs like that and All-Star Games and MVP chatter follows. If Kendrick can find that comfort level protecting Harper from the clean-up slot, then perhaps the Nats can go on a much-needed tear. With Sunday’s game to come, Washington needs a five-game winning streak to reach .500 again.
Although an 81-win season is better than the ball Washington is playing, it is not realistic playoff baseball and a far cry from this year’s dramatic expectations.
Kendrick needs help. Trea Turner is getting hot at the right time and Anthony Rendon is due back in the lineup shortly. Still, when Adam Eaton and Murphy returns remains a mystery Jessica Fletcher cannot solve yet.
As bad as things are, they would get worse without Kendrick’s contributions on both sides of the ball. Although his defense is not great, he is not hurting the team with his glove.
Next: Rendon close to returning
You know things will turn around for Washington. Too much talent to be this poor all year. But, until the balance returns and every regular is back, Kendrick is one anchor who will not let the Nats float too far down stream.