Phillies Notes: Kendrick turns to change-up, cutter

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2008 | by Todd Zolecki Inquirer Staff Writer

It has been little more than a year since Kyle Kendrick made his big-league debut with the Phillies, and few could have expected him to be as successful as he has been. Kendrick, who pitches this afternoon in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park, made the jump from double-A Reading as a prospect who had not even been invited to spring training last year.

But Kendrick is 16-6 with a 4.13 ERA in his 34 starts for the Phillies, who are 24-10 when he pitches. "It kind of went quick," the righthander said. But his success has not come easy, and he knows it won't get any easier as hitters continue to adjust to him. So Kendrick is making some adjustments of his own to try to stay a step ahead. While righthanders have hit just .243 against him,...