{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1984)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{good article}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Kyle Kendrick |image = Kylekendrick.jpg |width = 250px |caption = Kendrick with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007 |position = Pitcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|8|26}} |birth_place = Houston, Texas, U.S. |bats = Right |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = June 13 |debutyear = 2007 |debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies |finalleague = MLB |finaldate = May 10 |finalyear = 2017 |finalteam = Boston Red Sox |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 81–83 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 4.68 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 705 |teams = * Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2007}}–{{mlby|2014}}) * Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2015}}) * Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2017}}) |awards= }}
'''Kyle Rodney Kendrick''' (born August 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB).<ref name="BR">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml|title=Kyle Kendrick Stats|date=2014|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126033546/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendrky01.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kendrick was born in Houston, Texas but attended high school in Mount Vernon, Washington. While growing up, he was greatly influenced by his father, from whom he developed his composure when pitching. Upon graduation, Kendrick turned down a scholarship to play college football, instead signing a contract to begin his pro baseball career with the Phillies. After a slow ascent through Minor League Baseball (MiLB), he made his MLB debut in {{by|2007}}, and was a member of the starting rotation of the 2008 World Series Championship team.
Subsequently, Kendrick was demoted to the minors to develop secondary pitches. From {{by|2010}} to {{by|2012}}, his role on the big-league squad frequently fluctuated; however, he was considered by many writers to be an underrated pitcher. Nevertheless, Kendrick drew the ire of Phillies fans who were tired of his inconsistency. After a successful {{by|2012}} campaign, he firmly implanted himself in the Phillies' starting rotation before the {{by|2013}} season.
He predominantly threw a sinker, mixed in with some secondary pitches.
==Early life== Born in Houston, Texas,<ref name="BR"/> Kendrick was a three-sport standout in football, basketball, and baseball at Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Washington.<ref name="specialk">{{cite journal|last=Hagen|first=Paul|title=Special K|journal=Phillies Magazine|volume=2013|issue=3|pages=32–36|editor1-first=Bonnie|editor1-last=Clark|publisher=Philadelphia Phillies}}</ref> Throughout his adolescent athletic career, it was Kendrick's father Maury from whom Kendrick drew guidance and direction, particularly on how to conduct oneself during a game.<ref name="housenick1">{{cite news|last=Housenick|first=Mandy|title=Kendrick's dad the man to thank for his composure|url=https://www.mcall.com/2012/05/26/kendricks-dad-the-man-to-thank-for-his-composure/|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The Morning Call|date=May 26, 2012|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|archive-date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011624/http://articles.mcall.com/2012-05-26/sports/mc-phillies-kendrick-column-0526-20120526_1_rich-dubee-dad-kyle-kendrick|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|title=Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick's journey to Major Leagues made possible by father Maury|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50556756&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=June 13, 2013|archive-date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011732/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50556756&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=live}}</ref> Maury advised Kendrick to show as little emotion as possible when pitching, and is the one from whom Kendrick draws his composure while pitching.<ref name="housenick1"/> Kendrick and his father discuss pitching before and after every one of Kendrick's starts, which Maury watches from Seattle, Washington, and in 2013, Maury was part of the Phillies' Father's Day celebration, a celebration of his guidance of Kendrick.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hagen|first=Paul|title=Kendrick's father honored at Citizens Bank Park|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130602&content_id=49387118¬ebook_id=49395392&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=June 2, 2013|archive-date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513013648/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130602&content_id=49387118¬ebook_id=49395392&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Professional career==
===Philadelphia Phillies===
====Minor leagues: 2003–2006==== The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Kendrick in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft,<ref name="BR"/> which caused him to reject a football scholarship offer to Washington State University. Kendrick began his career in the lower levels of the minor league system, and struggled mightily.<ref name="brm">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kendri001kyl|title=Kyle Kendrick Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History|date=2019|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030223721/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kendri001kyl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="specialk"/> A feature article in ''Phillies'' magazine noted, {{quote|His first three seasons, in the Gulf Coast League, and various Class A stops, weren't encouraging. He was a combined 10–28 with a 5.27 ERA (earned run average). He allowed 356 hits in 286.2 innings. There were some steps forward, some steps back|Excerpt from ''Special K'', by Paul Hagen in ''Phillies'', June 2013<ref name="specialk"/>}} Early in Kendrick's career, many within the organization questioned his work ethic and maturity, which they thought may have contributed to his underachievement. In 2006, however, the Phillies "patience was ... rewarded"; pitching for the Lakewood BlueClaws for the third consecutive season, he earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month accolades for May, thus warranting a promotion to the Clearwater Threshers. In 20 starts with Clearwater, Kendrick posted a 3.53 ERA, among the best in the Florida State League. This performance as well as the fact that he spent significant time working out and focusing on mechanical improvement allayed the previous fears of poor work ethic. Ultimately, 2007 would be Kendrick's last in the low levels of the Phillies' minor leagues, as he began the season with the Double-A (AA) Reading Phillies, and finished it with the big league club.<ref name="specialk"/><ref name="2014 media guide"/>
====Breaking through: 2007–2009==== thumb|right|upright|Kendrick during the 2008 regular season Despite several options at Triple-A (AAA), when Freddy García got hurt, Pat Gillick promoted Kendrick to the major leagues, which drew skepticism, as Kendrick was just 22 years old, and had not pitched particularly well for Reading. However, according to Steve Noworyta, Phillies assistant director of player development, Kendrick's "mound presence and his maturity", as well as the fact that "nothing really seemed to bother him" contributed to his promotion.<ref name="specialk"/> His MLB debut came on June 13 against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. He pitched six innings and gave up three runs, receiving a no-decision in an 8–4 Phillies' victory.<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Corey|title=Phillies-Braves: What you need to know|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-braves-what-you-need-know-4|work=CSNPhilly.com|publisher=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia|access-date=May 9, 2014|date=August 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804060423/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/phillies-braves-what-you-need-know-4|archive-date=August 4, 2013}}</ref> He pitched the second game of the 2007 National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies, which the Phillies lost, en route to being swept in the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=MLB Playoffs - 2007 NL Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs2007/series?series=colphi|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=May 9, 2014|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512230934/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/series?series=colphi|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with a 10–4 win–loss record and a 3.87 ERA in 121 MLB innings pitched.<ref name="BR"/> He came in fifth place, ultimately losing to Ryan Braun, in 2007 National League Rookie of the Year Award voting.<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Awards Voting|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2007.shtml|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=May 9, 2014|archive-date=February 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218041942/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2007.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
Before the 2008 season, Kendrick was a victim of an "elaborate practical joke" executed by Brett Myers that had Kendrick convinced he had been traded away to Japan. During the season, Kendrick's performance slipped; he posted a 5.49 ERA in 30 starts.<ref name="BR"/><ref name="specialk"/> Due to his relative ineffectiveness Kendrick was left off the postseason roster; the Phillies won the 2008 World Series and he received a World Series ring and co-authored a diary from the series.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kyle|last=Kendrick|author2=Randy Miller|title=Kyle Kendrick's World Series diary|date=October 28, 2008|work=Phillyburbs.com|url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/102-10282008-1612070.html|access-date=November 3, 2008}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee attributed the decline to hitters discerning that Kendrick threw predominantly a sinker, and almost always in the strike zone, thus fostering predictability for hitters.
As such, Kendrick spent the majority of the 2009 season in the minor leagues, working on developing his change up, which proved to be an arduous process. Ultimately, after learning a new grip from Justin Lehr, he had a eureka moment during a bullpen session in 2009; he developed the pitch, and made it back to the major leagues "for good" near the conclusion of the season.<ref name="specialk"/>
====An undefined role: 2010–2012==== The Phillies acquired Roy Halladay prior to the 2010 season, and during spring training, Kendrick sought the mentorship of Halladay, whom he aspired to emulate during his high school career. Halladay willingly obliged, and teammates endearingly referred to Kendrick as "Little Roy" due to the amount of time he spent working with Halladay.<ref name="specialk"/> Despite initially losing a competition for the fifth spot in the Phillies starting rotation during spring training to Jamie Moyer, an injury to Joe Blanton thrust Kendrick into the fifth spot in the Phillies rotation, the fourth consecutive year during which he had held that role for at least a short time.<ref name="gallen2010">{{cite web|last=Gallen|first=Pat|title=Year in review: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2010/12/year-in-review-kyle-kendrick/|work=2010 Player Reviews – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=December 28, 2010|archive-date=April 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423081122/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2010/12/year-in-review-kyle-kendrick/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a decent first half of the 2010 season (at the end of June, he had a 4–4 record with a 3.23 ERA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Kyle Kendrick Game by Game Statistics and Performance (2011)|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/28804/year/2011/kyle-kendrick|work=Philadelphia Phillies – ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=May 24, 2014|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525215142/http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/28804/year/2011/kyle-kendrick|url-status=live}}</ref> Kendrick was briefly demoted to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA), but did not make any starts there, as Moyer's season ended due to injury, causing Kendrick's recall.<ref name="2014 media guide"/> Overall, he earned 11 wins, which tied a career high, and started 31 games, which set a new career high, while, in total, posting an 11–10 record with a 4.73 ERA in 180{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.<ref name="BR"/> Pat Gallen, editor in chief of ''Phillies Nation'', opined that Kendrick's performance indicated he would never exceed being an average, "run-of-the-mill starting pitcher", who would never exceed that role.<ref name="gallen2010"/> At the conclusion of the season, Kendrick and the Phillies avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, {{USD|2450000}} contract.<ref>{{cite news|last=Housenick|first=Mandy|title=Phillies, Kendrick avoid arbitration|url=https://www.mcall.com/2011/01/18/phillies-kendrick-avoid-arbitration-2/|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The Morning Call|date=January 18, 2011|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|archive-date=April 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409214112/http://articles.mcall.com/2011-01-18/sports/mc-phillies-kendrick-011811_1_twitter-inthephilshouse-kyle-kendrick-phillies|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kendrick's inconsistency continued in 2011, when he "flip-flopped between the rotation and the bullpen all season", performing as a spot starter and long reliever.<ref name="2014 media guide"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Heck Jr.|first=Vincent E.|title=Phillies' Kyle Kendrick, Raúl Ibañez, and Joe Blanton on Philly's short list|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/phillies-kyle-kendrick-raul-ibanez-joe-blanton-phillys-233300778.html|work=Yahoo! Sports|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=April 19, 2011|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225948/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/phillies-kyle-kendrick-raul-ibanez-joe-blanton-phillys-233300778.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Phillies Notes: Phillies to give Kendrick another start to rest aces|url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-01/sports/29608927_1_phillies-notes-vance-worley-rich-dubee|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=June 1, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050436/http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-01/sports/29608927_1_phillies-notes-vance-worley-rich-dubee|url-status=dead}}</ref> His starts came during injuries to Blanton and Roy Oswalt, the latter of whom was a member of the "phour aces" that comprised the front-end of the Phillies' starting rotation (Oswalt, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels).<ref>{{cite news|last=Paine|first=Neal|title=Keeping Score: Among Phillies' Four Aces, a Surprising Big Two|url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/keeping-score-among-phillies-four-aces-a-surprising-big-two/|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 26, 2011|archive-date=April 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402023118/http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/keeping-score-among-phillies-four-aces-a-surprising-big-two/|url-status=live}}</ref> When making those spot starts, he was able to "keep the team in the game".<ref name="baumann2011">{{cite web|last=Baumann|first=Michael|title=Credit where credit's due: Kyle Kendrick's 2011 season|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2011/11/credit-where-credits-due-kyle-kendricks-2011-season/|work=2011 Player Review – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221538/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2011/11/credit-where-credits-due-kyle-kendricks-2011-season/|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the season, he improved against left-handed hitters, performed strongly against divisional opponents, and posted a career-best 3.22 ERA.<ref name="2014 media guide"/> Overall, he totaled 34 appearances, 15 of which were starts, and recorded an 8–6 record in 114{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.<ref name="BR"/> Again eligible for arbitration, this year, he signed a one-year, {{USD|3585000}} pact with Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|last=Price|first=Satchel|title=Phillies Sign Kyle Kendrick to $3.6 Million Contract, Avoid Arbitration|url=http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2012/1/13/2705038/phillies-sign-kyle-kendrick-to-3-6-million-contract|work=MLB Daily Dish – SBNation.com|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=January 13, 2012|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512215844/http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2012/1/13/2705038/phillies-sign-kyle-kendrick-to-3-6-million-contract|url-status=live}}</ref> {{quote box|align=right|width=30%|"Kyle Kendrick is perhaps the most underrated player on the Phillies roster. You’ve heard the narrative surrounding him: year in and year out, he fills multiple roles for the pitching staff, usually doing a satisfactory job, and some nights doing a fantastic job, yet he still is the target of fan vitriol."| source= ''Phillies Player Review: Kyle Kendrick'', by Ryan Dinger, ''Phillies Nation'', October 27, 2012<ref name="dinger2012">{{cite web|last=Dinger|first=Ryan|title=Phillies Player Review: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2012/10/phillies-player-review-kyle-kendrick/|work=2012 Player Reviews – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=October 27, 2012|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221535/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2012/10/phillies-player-review-kyle-kendrick/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Once again, Kendrick was not a member of the opening day starting rotation, as Blanton and Vance Worley rounded out the final two spots after Hamels, Halladay, and Lee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phillies finalize Opening Day roster|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120403&content_id=27892134&vkey=pr_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=May 10, 2014|location=Press release|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301064009/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120403&content_id=27892134&vkey=pr_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, once again, he joined the rotation due to injury, this season to Worley. He was a member of the rotation from the end of April to the beginning of July, in a relief role until the beginning of August, and then in the rotation for the remainder of the season. Ultimately, Kendrick started 25 games of a career-high 37 appearances.<ref name="2014 media guide"/> He was especially strong after the all-star game, posting a 3.15 ERA and nine wins, the latter of which was tied for first in the National League. He also continued his success against NL East teams, posting a 3.25 ERA against them. Though he had much success, he remained inconsistent, playing "the role Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personified" – in 17 of his starts, he allowed two or fewer earned runs, and posted a combined 1.73 ERA in those starts, while in the eight starts during which he surrendered more than two earned runs, he posted a 10.40 ERA.<ref name="2014 media guide"/><ref name="dinger2012"/>
====Middle-of-the-rotation starter: 2013–14==== [[File:Kyle Kendrick pitching.jpg|thumb|Kendrick pitching in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8, 2014]] Thanks to his strong finish in 2012, Kendrick entered spring training assured of a spot in the Phillies' Opening Day starting rotation for the first time in five years<ref>{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Kyle Kendrick, John Lannan must produce at back of Phillies' rotation|url=http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-13/sports/37061018_1_rotation-spot-phillies-vance-worley|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=February 13, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083254/http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-13/sports/37061018_1_rotation-spot-phillies-vance-worley|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Phillies Notes: Phillies' Kyle Kendrick can use spring to tinker|url=http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-28/sports/37332935_1_rotation-spot-phillies-notes-cutter-and-slider|access-date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=February 28, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061956/http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-28/sports/37332935_1_rotation-spot-phillies-notes-cutter-and-slider|url-status=dead}}</ref> and spent his first full season exclusively a member of the major league starting rotation. His 2013 season took the opposite trajectory of his 2012 campaign; he held a 4–1 record with a 2.47 ERA in his first eight starts, while he posted a 6–12 record with a 5.65 ERA in his final 22 starts.<ref name="2014 media guide"/> Some suggested that because Kendrick is a contact pitcher (i.e., he focuses on getting outs via batters hitting the ball rather than striking out), his career-worst batting average on balls in play indicated horrendous defense was the primary reason for his downturn, not necessarily poor pitching. However, both were likely contributing factors.<ref name=riccaboni2013>{{cite web|last=Riccaboni|first=Ian|title=Phillies Nation Player Review: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2013/10/phillies-nation-player-review-kyle-kendrick/|work=2013 Player Reviews – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=October 15, 2013|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231022/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2013/10/phillies-nation-player-review-kyle-kendrick/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 18, he was scratched from his scheduled start due to right rotator cuff tendinitis, which may have contributed to his poor pitching down the stretch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Baumann|first=Michael|title=2013 Phillies Report Card: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2013/10/12/2013-phillies-report-card-kyle-kendrick/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223300/http://crashburnalley.com/2013/10/12/2013-phillies-report-card-kyle-kendrick/|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was the first time in Kendrick's career he missed a start due to injury. He had initially planned on making his next start, but the Phillies announced on September 20 that Kendrick had been shut down for the remainder of the season after receiving a second opinion on the injury. The team placed him on the disabled list for his first career stint and Zach Miner took his spot in the rotation.<ref name="2014 media guide"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|title=Kendrick shut down due to shoulder; Miner to rotation|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130920&content_id=61212192¬ebook_id=61211984&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=September 21, 2013|date=September 20, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053552/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130920&content_id=61212192¬ebook_id=61211984&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, he posted 10–13 with a 4.70 ERA in 182 innings pitched.<ref name="BR"/>
At the conclusion of the 2013 season, there was suggestion that the Phillies should re-sign Kendrick insofar as he would serve as a useful player to trade around the trade deadline for a prospect or two, as durable, mediocre starters are always in demand around that time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Baer|first=Bill|title=Should the Phillies keep Kyle Kendrick around in 2014?|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2013/09/02/should-the-phillies-keep-kyle-kendrick-around-in-2014/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=September 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225220/http://crashburnalley.com/2013/09/02/should-the-phillies-keep-kyle-kendrick-around-in-2014/|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Contradictorily, one scout suggested that because he throws strikes with great frequency and has a propensity to induce groundballs, he would be a strong value option for the Phillies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Apstein|first=Stephanie|title=2014 season preview: Philadelphia Phillies|url=http://mlb.si.com/2014/03/24/philadelphia-phillies-2014-season-preview/|work=The Strike Zone – SI.com|publisher=Time|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=March 25, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402080934/http://mlb.si.com/2014/03/24/philadelphia-phillies-2014-season-preview/|archive-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> Ultimately, the Phillies agreed with the latter, and signed him to a one-year, {{USD|7675000}} contract in the final year before he is eligible to be a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Corey|title=If Kyle Kendrick keeps this up, he'll get paid|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/if-kyle-kendrick-keeps-hell-get-paid|work=CSNPhilly.com|publisher=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=May 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510051117/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/if-kyle-kendrick-keeps-hell-get-paid|archive-date=May 10, 2014}}</ref> Kendrick preposterously struggled all season in the first inning, entering his final home start of the season with a 9.31 ERA in the first inning.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Salisbury|first1=Jim|title=Kyle Kendrick wins in possible Philly swan song|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/kyle-kendrick-wins-possible-philly-swan-song|website=CSNPhilly.com|publisher=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=September 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205161056/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/kyle-kendrick-wins-possible-philly-swan-song|archive-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref> Overall, he pitched a career-high 199 innings, but posted a 4.61 ERA, second-worst among qualifying NL starting pitchers.<ref name="2014-report-card">{{cite web|last1=Landrey|first1=Corinne|title=2014 Phillies Report Card: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2014/10/26/2014-phillies-report-card-kyle-kendrick/|website=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204235157/http://crashburnalley.com/2014/10/26/2014-phillies-report-card-kyle-kendrick/|archive-date=December 4, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The prevailing consensus was that despite a sentimental attachment to Philadelphia, generally being liked by Phillies' fans, and solid contributions to the back of the Phillies' rotation since arriving in the major leagues, he was unlikely to return to Philadelphia for 2015, but would be a "smart pickup" by a contending team.<ref name="2014-report-card"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Riccaboni|first1=Ian|title=Re-Sign or Release: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2014/10/re-sign-or-release-kyle-kendrick/|website=2014 Offseason – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=October 15, 2014|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205004749/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2014/10/re-sign-or-release-kyle-kendrick/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Landrey|first1=Corinne|title=Kendrick's Farewell|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2014/09/25/kendricks-farewell/|website=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=September 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204235132/http://crashburnalley.com/2014/09/25/kendricks-farewell/|archive-date=December 4, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Phillies Player Review: Kyle Kendrick|url=http://www.thegoodphight.com/2014/10/29/7088129/phillies-player-review-kyle-kendrick-is-probably-not-a-phillies-anymore-and-go-royals|website=The Good Pheight – SBNation.com|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=December 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204024808/http://www.thegoodphight.com/2014/10/29/7088129/phillies-player-review-kyle-kendrick-is-probably-not-a-phillies-anymore-and-go-royals|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Colorado Rockies=== On February 4, 2015, Kendrick signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12277171/kyle-kendrick-colorado-rockies-agree-one-year-deal|title=Kyle Kendrick joins Rockies|date=February 4, 2015|publisher=ESPN|work=ESPN.com|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207063402/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12277171/kyle-kendrick-colorado-rockies-agree-one-year-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later named the Rockies' opening-day starter for the 2015 season. For the season, he was 7–13 with a 6.32 ERA, and shared the major league lead in home runs given up with 33.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=0&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=18,d|title=Major League Leaderboards >> 2015 >> Pitchers|publisher=Fangraphs|work=fangraphs.com|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=January 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110183343/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=0&type=0&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=18,d|url-status=live}}</ref> He became a free agent following the season.
===Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim=== On December 31, 2015, Kendrick signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/12/31/braves-sign-kyle-kendrick/|title=Braves sign Kyle Kendrick|date=December 31, 2015|last=Gleeman|first=Aaron|publisher=NBC Sports|work=nbcsports.com|access-date=December 31, 2015|archive-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102175026/http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/12/31/braves-sign-kyle-kendrick/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Kendrick received a non-roster invite to spring training. He was released on March 12, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Braves trim pitchers from spring camp|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/167223770/sean-newcomb-among-braves-spring-cuts|date=March 12, 2016|last=Collier|first=Jamal|publisher=Major League Baseball|work=MLB.com|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313121411/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/167223770/sean-newcomb-among-braves-spring-cuts|url-status=dead}}</ref> He subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and spent the 2016 season with the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2016/05/09/kyle-kendrick-trying-to-rebuild-his-career-as-a-starting-pitcher-with-salt-lake|title=Kyle Kendrick trying to rebuild his career as a starting pitcher with Salt Lake|date=May 9, 2016|last=Brown|first=Bubba|publisher=Orange County Register|work=ocregister.com|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207063857/https://www.ocregister.com/2016/05/09/kyle-kendrick-trying-to-rebuild-his-career-as-a-starting-pitcher-with-salt-lake/|url-status=live}}</ref> posting a 6–5 record and 4.73 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 16 games (15 starts). Kendrick elected free agency after the season on November 7.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=July 22, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Boston Red Sox=== On January 18, 2017, Kendrick signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He received a non-roster invite to spring training,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/red-sox-sign-kyle-kendrick-to-minor-league-deal.html|title=Red Sox Sign Kyle Kendrick To Minor League Deal|date=January 18, 2017|last=Adams|first=Steve|publisher=MLB Trade Rumors|work=mlbtraderumors.com|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=January 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120201443/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/red-sox-sign-kyle-kendrick-to-minor-league-deal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was later placed on the Major League roster. Kendrick started two games for the Red Sox in May, accruing a 0–2 record and 12.96 ERA. The 2017 season also saw him starting 18 games for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. Kendrick was outrighted on June 22, and elected free agency on October 2.<ref name="BR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/kyle-kendrick-452718|title=Kyle Kendrick Stats, Highlights, Bio|date=2017|publisher=Minor League Baseball|work=MiLB.com|access-date=February 25, 2018|archive-date=February 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032520/http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=452718#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kendrick elected retirement but after sitting out the 2018 season, he became a guest instructor at Phillies’ 2019 Spring Training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-nola-excited-to-pitch-in-new-atmosphere|title=Nola eager to pitch in packed home ballpark|date=March 10, 2019|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|publisher=Major League Baseball|work=MLB.com|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207083028/https://www.mlb.com/news/aaron-nola-excited-to-pitch-in-new-atmosphere|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Pitching style== 275px|thumb|Kendrick pitches from a deliberate, slightly deceptive delivery; here he is in a game in September 2013. When Kendrick was first promoted to the major leagues, he relied almost exclusively on a sinker, but as he became more predictable, he had to adjust by adding pitches, including the changeup, cutter, and curveball that now comprise his repertoire.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kyle Kendrick – Statistics – Pitching|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=6230&position=P|work=FanGraphs Baseball|publisher=FanGraphs|access-date=May 10, 2014|archive-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306104107/http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=6230&position=P|url-status=live}}</ref> He throws from a slightly deceptive, deliberate windup, and his sinker ranges anywhere from {{convert|87|mph|kph}} to {{convert|93|mph|kph}}. He lacks requisite confidence in his secondary pitches, however, which contributes to batters being able to consistently make solid contact against him.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Baggerly, Andrew |author2=Caple, Jim |author3=Crasnick, Jerry |author4=Eddy, Matt |display-authors=etal |title=Baseball 2011 Preview|journal=Lindy's Sports|date=January 2011|page=147|editor1-first=Shane|editor1-last=O'Neill|publisher=J. Lindy Davis, Jr. – D.M.D. Publications|location=Birmingham, Alabama}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Fraley, Gerry |author2=Crasnick, Jerry |author3=Miller, Sam |author4=Miller, Scott |display-authors=etal |title=Baseball 2014 Preview|magazine=Lindy's Sports|date=January 2014|pages=146–47|editor1-first=Shane|editor1-last=O'Neill|publisher=J. Lindy Davis, Jr. – D.M.D. Publications|location=Birmingham, Alabama}}</ref>
Although they have improved throughout his career, Kendrick has had poor peripheral statistics, including WAR, FIP and BABIP. Because he manages to stay competitive on the mound and do his job, most assert that the poor peripheral statistics do not matter for him.<ref name="baumann2011"/><ref name="riccaboni2013"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Nisula|first=Jonathan|title=In defense of Kyle Kendrick|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2011/07/in-defense-of-kyle-kendrick/|work=Analysis – Phillies Nation|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=May 11, 2014|date=July 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512230835/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2011/07/in-defense-of-kyle-kendrick/|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Boye|first=Paul|title=Is Kyle Kendrick good?|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2012/09/04/is-kyle-kendrick-good/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=May 11, 2014|date=September 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512220140/http://crashburnalley.com/2012/09/04/is-kyle-kendrick-good/|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> When pitching, he maintains constant equanimity and seeks to avoid showing emotion, a trait he learned from his father and has embodied since playing Little League Baseball. He credits his composure as the reason he is able to consistently "go with the flow", and avoid being flustered, even in adverse situations.<ref name="housenick1"/>
==Personal life== In 2009, Kendrick became engaged to four-time ''Survivor'' contestant Stephenie LaGrossa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-insider/Kyle_Kendrick_and_Stephenie_LaGrossa_are_engaged.html|title=Kyle Kendrick and Stephenie LaGrossa are engaged|date=July 14, 2009|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|access-date=March 11, 2010|last=Klein|first=Michael|archive-date=July 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704160723/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-insider/Kyle_Kendrick_and_Stephenie_LaGrossa_are_engaged.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They were married at the Silverado Resort in Napa, California, on November 13, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20442129,00.html |work=People |title=''Survivor''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Stephenie LaGrossa & Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Kendrick Marry |last=Wihlborg |first=Ulrica |date=November 14, 2010 |access-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307050849/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20442129,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kendrick and LaGrossa had their first child, a daughter named Sophia Marguerite on September 3, 2011, and their second child, a son named Kyle Jr., on July 30, 2013.<ref name="2014 media guide">{{cite book|title=2014 Philadelphia Phillies Media Guide|date=March 2014|publisher=The Phillies|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|pages=119–21|editor=Clark, Bonnie}}</ref>
In March 2011, Kendrick's home was burglarized; among the stolen items was his World Series ring.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Jennifer|title=World Series ring stolen from Mount Vernon home of Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2014684299_ringtheft05m.html|access-date=April 1, 2014|publisher=The Seattle Times|work=Seattle Times.com|date=April 4, 2011|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407100656/http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2014684299_ringtheft05m.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, the ring was found in a swampy area of Bothell, Washington, by Snohomish County Sheriff's deputies.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Kyle Kendrick's stolen World Series ring recovered in Washington, police say|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6565238|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=April 1, 2014|date=May 19, 2011|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407082116/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6565238|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kendrick's pitching intro music is "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/fan_forum/ballpark_music.jsp?c_id=phi|title=Philadelphia Phillies|publisher=Major League Baseball|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114212730/http://m.mlb.com/phi/fans/music?tcid=FErd-music|archive-date=January 14, 2014|access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref> Among his hobbies are golf and fantasy football.<ref name="2014 media guide"/>
==References== {{reflist|25em}}
==External links== {{commonscat}} {{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} {{baseballstats|mlb=452718|espn=28804|br=k/kendrky01|fangraphs=6230|brm=kendri001kyl|retro=K/Pkendk001}}
{{Colorado Rockies Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kendrick, Kyle}} Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:Baseball players from Houston Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Philadelphia Phillies players Category:Colorado Rockies players Category:Boston Red Sox players Category:Florida Complex League Phillies players Category:Batavia Muckdogs players Category:Lakewood BlueClaws players Category:Clearwater Threshers players Category:Reading Phillies players Category:Lehigh Valley IronPigs players Category:21st-century American sportsmen Category:Peoria Saguaros players Category:Arizona League Angels players Category:Salt Lake Bees players Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players