Howie Kendrick is Angels’ latest leadoff hitter
Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick connects on a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers earlier this month. Kendrick is set to hit in the leadoff spot for the Angels against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.
The Angels tried second baseman Howie Kendrick atop their batting order on Tuesday, making him the third leadoff hitter in three days and fourth in five days.
Kendrick, who batted cleanup on Monday, led off for the first time in four years. Shortstop Erick Aybar, who led off Monday, batted sixth Tuesday.
“I’m going to hit how I hit,” Kendrick said. “I’ll just be hitting sooner. Just because you’re hitting in a different spot doesn’t mean you change your game.”
The Angels have used Kendrick, Aybar and outfielders Collin Cowgill and J.B. Shuck since their regular leadoff hitter, outfielder Kole Calhoun, went on the disabled list April 17. The Angels entered play Tuesday with a 3-7 record when Cowgill leads off and a 9-6 record when he does not.
In other news, the lifetime suspension and intended ouster of Clippers owner Donald Sterling drew the attention of Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson.
“L.A. is a great sports city,” Wilson said. “I’m sure there will be a line around the block to buy the Clippers.”
Wilson said he could not afford to do so, but he smiled when he heard that Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price had expressed interest via Twitter in forming a bid group.
“I want to buy a part of the Clippers!!!!” Price tweeted. “Like 1% or maybe a little less...I would have the best seats ever!!”
Said Wilson: “I’d be in with him in a heartbeat.”
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