Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick sees benefits of day off

CHICAGO -- Howie Kendrick was not in the Angels’ lineup Wednesday night for only the second time this season, the combination of a mini-slump and some general soreness sending the second baseman to the bench against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field.

“It’s nothing major, just some normal stuff,” said Kendrick, who had three hits in 25 at-bats in his last six games, his average falling from .323 to .308. “I’ll be right back out there in Seattle Friday and plan to finish the first half strong.”

Manager Mike Scioscia often gives struggling players “mental” days off, but Kendrick’s issues appear more physical.

“He’s played a lot, and he’s playing through some things,” Scioscia said, using manager-speak for a player who has some nagging injuries but would rather not disclose them. “With the off day Thursday, he’ll have two days to freshen up a little bit.”

Kendrick said he didn’t need a “mental” day off but acknowledged a breather could help. Kendrick spoke to Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn about the benefits of days off on May 12 when Dunn, who was hitting .137 at the time, sat out against the Angels. Dunn hit three home runs and drove in six runs in his next three games against Minnesota.

“He was struggling, he had a day off, and the next thing you know he hit three bombs against the Twins,” Kendrick said. “Sometimes a day off helps you get refreshed.”

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