Dodgers infielder Howie Kendrick is one step closer to rejoining his Dodgers teammates after participating in the first of what will most likely be four rehab games with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Thursday night at a drizzly LoanMart Field.

The 32-year-old Jacksonville, Florida native has been sidelined with a left calf strain he suffered while running to first base in a spring training game on March 22 that caused him to begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. And even though Kendrick is eligible to return to the Dodgers on Saturday, April 9 in San Francisco, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said last week that they plan to hold Kendrick and Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (right forearm strain) back until the Dodgers home opener on April 12 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“Yas felt good, but right now we’re looking at having him ready for the home opener,” said Roberts. “We’ve been cautious up to this point and it just seems to make the most sense. Howie, as well.”

Kendrick joined the Quakes for their season and home opener on Thursday evening, where he was the team’s designated hitter for the entire game. And although the Quakes fell to the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) by a score of 4-2 and Kendrick was 0 for 3 at the plate, he gave his calf a full workout when he attempted to steal second base after being hit by a pitch and later ran out a ground out to second base.

“That’s the only way to really do it. If something’s bothering you, you’ve got to try it out, and what better way than come here and play some games,” Kendrick said after the game. “Luckily, I got over there on first base being hit by a pitch and took an opportunity there, a 1-2 count. I thought the guy was going to throw a breaking ball there but it didn’t work out that way. But overall my leg feels good and I’ll just try to build off of today.”

Although there were undoubtedly several Dodger fans holding their collective breaths when Kendrick attempted to steal second base on Thursday night, the veteran Dodgers infielder said that he had no issues whatsoever with his left calf. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

In his final at-bat of the night, Kendrick grounded out to second base, running down the line at full speed. Asked if he felt anything with his calf during that play, Kendrick was very specific in his answer.

“No, nothing. I wouldn’t be here if there was any problems,” he said.

The plan for Kendrick is to play third base for the Quakes on Friday night and then second base on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

“Tomorrow (Friday) I’m supposed to play third base for I think like five or six innings, so I’ll be back out on the field tomorrow and then second [base] the next couple days,” said Kendrick. “It’ll be good to get back out on the field and get in the flow of the game, and hopefully help these guys win some games.”

Kendrick believes that the Tuesday target date to return to the Dodgers is still very realistic.

“Oh yeah, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Coming out today – running and doing everything I need to do – hopefully I’ll continue to progress the next couple days, see how my leg feels, but I’ve got a feeling it’s going to feel good.”

Even though Quakes right-hander Trevor Oaks allowed four runs in the first inning on Thursday night, he and the Quakes bullpen were absolutely brilliant after that, allowing no additional runs. Unfortunately, the Quakes offense could muster only two runs on the night.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

As is usually the case, whenever a major leaguer rehabs with a minor league team, it brings an entirely new feeling into the clubhouse, something that new Quakes manager Drew Saylor embraces.

“He’s a tremendous leader. Howie is, to me, a quintessential professional,” said Saylor. “I’ve been around guys like Michael Cuddyer and I would probably say in the same breath a guy like Howie Kendrick had the same ilk that Cuddy had when he was with Colorado. I think that just bringing his professionalism, the way that he prepares, the way that he goes about his game, some that our guys can definitely learn visually and also a little bit through osmosis in certain ways too.

“He’s a guy that brings a certain type of energy, a certain type of swagger,” Saylor added. “It’s obvious when you watch the big league club on TV, see that come through, and it was good to see it tonight a little bit. I’m just excited to see how he does the next few nights.”

There may be a slight glitch in the Dodgers and Kendrick’s and Saylor’s plans, however – Mother Nature. Although the Quakes and Storm were able to get Thursday night’s game in, the weather forecast for the next few days may not be quite as promising. There is a 20% chance of rain at game time on Friday and a 55% chance at game time on Saturday. Things don’t improve on Sunday either, when there’s a 75% chance of rain at game time. The good news is that the forecast for Dodger Stadium for Tuesday’s home opener calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the 70’s – so there’s that.