Kyle Kendrick's Stock Resembling the World Economy

It is probably a safe bet that Kyle Kendrick is out of the race for the fifth spot in the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation.

Kendrick failed to handle base runners en route to a pitching struggle for both teams as the Atlanta Braves beat the Phillies by a score of 12-10 on Wednesday.

Kendrick had a nice stress-free first inning of work, but failed to keep control in the second inning. Three runs crossed the plate in the second inning and another crossed in the third inning. Kendrick escaped the third inning and started the fourth inning, but trouble followed and Gary Majewski took over in the fourth inning.

Kendrick went three full innings, allowed 10 hits to bring in eight runs (all earned) including two home runs. Even Braves starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes got in the offensive mix by knocking two hits and scoring a run.

This was definitely not the performance Kendrick needed to get back in the hunt for a final spot in the starting rotation.

Down by a score of 10-1 entering the bottom of the fourth inning, the Phillies roared back against the Braves pitchers, but the damage had already been done.

John Mayberry Jr. got back in the swing of things with a home run, a double and two RBI.

Ryan Howard had a pair of hits today as well.

Jason Donald notched three hits and scored a pair of runs.

Jayson Werth started the game and recorded a base hit himself.

Raul Ibanez also helped produce as he has done essentially the entire spring.

Of course, the story of the day will continue to be Kendrick and his dismal performance. The fifth starter spot appears to be headed towards J.A. Happ or Chan Ho Park very quickly. Park pitched in the scrimmage today and allowed a solo home run but it sounds as though that was the only drawback.

Brett Myers sounds like he had a stellar scrimmage, but we'll have to wait for more reports on the scrimmage.