Kyle Kendrick's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round of the 2003 MLB Draft. A right-handed pitcher, Kendrick made his major league debut with the Phillies on June 13, 2007, against the Chicago White Sox. His rookie season was marked by a solid performance, as he helped the Phillies secure a spot in the postseason. Kendrick finished the year with a 10-4 record and a 3.87 ERA, quickly establishing himself as a reliable option in the Phillies' rotation.
Over the next few years, Kendrick played a crucial role in the Phillies' pitching staff. He was part of the team during their 2008 World Series championship run, although he did not pitch in the postseason that year. Despite this, his contributions during the regular season were valuable, as he provided depth and stability to the rotation. Kendrick's ability to adapt to different roles, whether as a starter or a reliever, was an asset to the team.
Kendrick's tenure with the Phillies saw its ups and downs. He experienced fluctuations in performance, which led to periods where he was moved between the starting rotation and the bullpen. In 2010, he posted an 11-10 record with a 4.73 ERA, showcasing his ability to handle a full season's workload. The following year, he continued to be a versatile option for the Phillies, appearing in 34 games and starting 15 of them.
The 2012 season was a turning point for Kendrick, as he delivered one of his best performances. He recorded a 3.90 ERA over 159.1 innings, demonstrating improved consistency and control. His efforts were recognized, and he became a more permanent fixture in the Phillies' starting rotation. In 2013, Kendrick had another solid season, finishing with a 10-13 record and a 4.70 ERA over 30 starts.
After eight seasons with the Phillies, Kendrick became a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2015. His time with the Rockies was challenging, as he struggled with injuries and performance issues. Kendrick finished the season with a 6-13 record and a 6.32 ERA, marking a difficult period in his career.
In 2016, Kendrick signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves but was released before the season began. He then joined the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league deal, though he did not make it back to the majors that year. In 2017, Kendrick signed with the Boston Red Sox, where he made two appearances before being released.
Throughout his career, Kendrick was known for his sinkerball, which he used effectively to induce ground balls. His ability to pitch to contact and manage innings made him a valuable asset to his teams. While his career had its challenges, Kendrick's perseverance and adaptability allowed him to enjoy a decade-long career in the major leagues.
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