Updated: Andrew Knapp playing more, but it’s ‘not an indictment on Cameron Rupp’

Andrew Knapp walked into the Phillies clubhouse Wednesday, and for the first time in his major-league career, he saw his name in the lineup on consecutive days. The rookie catcher will have an expanded role that could evolve into a timeshare with Cameron Rupp.

"It's not an indictment on Rupp at all; I just want to see more of Knapp," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Wednesday. "I think the competition might make them even better. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be. Plus it gives Knapp an opportunity to feel like he's more a part of it."

Knapp, 25, started just 13 of the team's first 42 games before Tuesday. He has flashed strong at-bats, with a .370 on-base percentage, in that limited playing time.

The switch-hitter helped his cause by hitting his first homer at home in and his second of the season, a 378-foot shot to right field off former Phillies reliever Chad Qualls in the ninth inning of an 8-2 loss Tuesday to Colorado.

"I was pulling off earlier in the game and took a couple of big swings and wasn't getting the barrel there, so it felt good to get that one in the ninth," said Knapp, who went 1 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk.

He acknowledged it has been difficult to get into a rhythm while playing somewhat sporadically, but also says that is no excuse.

"I think when you are not playing every day, it is harder to get the timing of the game, but we have a pretty good opportunity to work with  [hitting coach] Matt Stairs in the cage to kind of create a routine," Knapp said. "Even though I am not getting everyday at-bats, I have to stay locked in, and when I do get my name in the lineup, I know I can be competitive at the plate."

As for getting used to working more with the pitchers, Knapp says he often catches off-day bullpen sessions from the starters as a way of getting more familiar with what they throw.

Rupp has hit well this season, but his defensive issues have been magnified in the last week with some inaccurate throws. Mackanin said there was nothing to read into his decision to increase Knapp's playing time.

"I like him and I am going to get a chance to see him a little more," the manager said.

Knapp was excited for that opportunity.

"Getting to catch more would be awesome," he said. "I just want to be able to help the team any way I can."

Extra bases

Howie Kendrick (strained abdominal muscle) began a minor-league rehab assignment with triple-A Lehigh Valley that will last a minimum of four games. Mackanin said Kendrick could play left field, first base and third base in the minor-league games. Kendrick has not played since April 15. … The Phillies will face a lefthander, Tyler Anderson, in Thursday afternoon's series finale. Vince Velasquez pitches for the Phillies.