The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday acquired first baseman/outfielder Darin Ruf and minor league infielder/outfielder Darnell Sweeney from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick.
Numerous sources reported recently that Kendrick had grown frustrated with his role last season, after the Dodgers rescued him from a soured free agent market last winter. He still finished fifth on the squad in plate appearances despite starting at four different positions on the diamond. Kendrick’s playing time diminished in the postseason, however, with the Dodgers using the left-handed hitting Andrew Toles in left field against right-handed pitching.