Kennedy Welcomes Kendrick’s Arrival

It can be a little awkward when the guy who has been tabbed to take your job shows up at the office unexpectedly, all eager and excited to work, as second base prospect Howie Kendrick did Monday after the Angels called him up from triple-A Salt Lake City to replace injured utility player Maicer Izturis.

Adam Kennedy, the Angels’ incumbent at second base, didn’t feel the least bit threatened though, not so much because his job is completely secure -- Kendrick has been one of the minor league’s best pure hitters for several years and could replace Kennedy in 2007 -- but because, well, he likes the new kid.

“He’s a good guy, and he’s going to be good, but I’m a firm believer in that if two guys are good, you find spots for both of them,” said Kennedy, who has helped Kendrick with his defense during spring training for several years.

“Anything he wants to know he already knows. He can talk to me any time, and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so until he runs me out of here ... just kidding.”

Kennedy can afford to make jokes because he has a team-high .355 average, five doubles and 13 runs batted in and made a spectacular diving stop to start a game-saving double play in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Athletics.

Kennedy’s three-year contract expires after this season, and he very well could be cast aside for a younger, cheaper alternative, the way Troy Glaus, Troy Percival, Bengie Molina and Jarrod Washburn were in recent years. But for now, his job is safe.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Kendrick, who hit .386 with eight doubles and 13 RBIs in 16 games at Salt Lake, will be used primarily as a pinch-hitter and designated hitter, and he may get an occasional start at second.

With outfielder/DH Juan Rivera on the disabled list, Chone Figgins able to back up at shortstop and Reggie Willits providing outfield depth, the Angels opted for more of an offensive presence when they chose Kendrick over triple-A shortstop Erick Aybar, who can also play second. Kendrick also began taking grounders at third base Monday in hopes of increasing his versatility.

“I’m here to fill in, to help out,” Kendrick said. “I’m open to doing whatever.”

Although Kendrick’s defense has improved over the years, it still hasn’t caught up to his bat, which Scioscia described as “major league ready” this spring. Kendrick is an aggressive line-drive hitter who sprays the ball to all fields and usually makes solid contact. In 70 at-bats this season, he had 11 strikeouts and one walk.

“You hear things about walking more, but I like to hit,” Kendrick said. “If I get a pitch to hit, I like to swing, to attack the ball.”

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Izturis, who started six of eight games through Sunday, going six for 16 before straining his left hamstring on an attempted steal, was put on the 15-day disabled list Monday. Izturis said he “felt a pop” in the hamstring, and Scioscia said the infielder, who underwent an MRI test Monday, will be out for much longer.

“It’s a significant injury -- it’s not mild,” Scioscia said. “He’s in a lot of pain.”