Phillies send Howie Kendrick to Washington Nationals for single-A pitcher
The outfielder was dealt to the Nationals in exchange for 21-year-old McKenzie Mills
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The Phillies traded Howie Kendrick to the Nationals on Friday night and were able to add to their sudden surplus of young lefthanded pitchers.
The Phillies received lefthander McKenzie Mills, a 21-year-old who was having a strong season with Washington's single-A affiliate. The Phillies, who according to a source sent $3 million to help pay off pay off Kendrick's remaining salary, also received slot money for the international signing period.
Mills was a South Atlantic League all-star this season and had a 3.01 ERA in 18 starts with single-A Hagerstown. Mills struck out 118 batters and walked just 22 in 1042/3 innings. Mills is the fourth South Atlantic League all-star the Phillies acquired in two days as the three players received from Colorado for Pat Neshek – shortstop Jose Gomez and righthanders Alejandro Requena and J.D. Hammer – were also All Stars.
Mills was promoted Thursday to high-A Potomac and was ranked by MLB.com as Washington's 18th best prospect. He could slide into high-A Clearwater's rotation. He joins a talented cast of Phillies' lefthanders in the minors. Damon Jones and Kyle Young are at short-season Class-A Williamsport. Nick Fanti is at single-A Lakewood. JoJo Romero and Ranger Suarez are at Clearwater. Cole Irvin is at double-A Reading, and Brandon Leibrandt is at triple A.
"McKenzie Mills is a projectable left-handed starter who really had a remarkable transformation this year. He struggled with command early in his career and this year he's been dominant in the South Atlantic League," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "We're adding another solid starting pitching prospect to the lower levels of our system and we're really excited about that."
Kendrick batted .340 in 141 at-bats this season with the Phillies. He was held out of Friday's lineup after leaving Wednesday's game with a bruised hand that he suffered when he was hit by a pitch. Kendrick had two stints this season on the disabled list. Kendrick joked that he will have to bat eighth in Washington's potent lineup.
"You have a good chance to make the postseason and that's what you live for," Kendrick said. "Our ultimate goal as players is to win a World Series. I couldn't think of a better place to be going to."