Reading's Kendrick gets the call

PHILADELPHIA -- During the week Kyle Kendrick and Michael Zagurski spent together at Double-A Reading, it's likely the two never had this conversation:

"How cool will it be when we're in Philadelphia together next month?"

"Yeah, that never came up," Zagurski said. "I'll have to call him now. I'm happy for him. That's awesome."

Kendrick and Zagurski spent about a week together at Reading, when Zagurski stopped by during his meteoric rise from Class A Clearwater. They played together in 2006 when Kendrick briefly passed through Class A Lakewood, where Zagurski was pitching.

In '05, they were teammates at short-season Batavia, in the rookie league.

On Wednesday, they'll be teammates at the highest level, when the Phillies purchase Kendrick's contract and start him in the series finale against the White Sox. He'll fill in for Freddy Garcia, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

Kendrick, a 23-year-old right-hander selected in the seventh round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, was chosen for the assignment over Triple-A candidates Zack Segovia and J.D. Durbin. Kendrick went 4-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 12 starts for Reading, allowing 82 hits in 81 innings and striking out 50. He allowed just 18 walks.

"I've seen him in rookie ball and A-ball," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's got some pretty good stuff. He's got a good breaking ball, and a fastball he'll throw in the low 90s. He's young and he's a good prospect."

If he's anything like Zagurski, the portly southpaw who has challenged hitters, Kendrick may stick with the big club.

Garcia had an MRI on his strained right shoulder that showed "pathology" in the labrum and fraying of the rotator cuff. He's seeking a second opinion, and a plan of care will be determined after that. If Garcia requires surgery, he could miss significant time.

Manuel wouldn't commit to Kendrick beyond Wednesday.

"We'll play it by ear, see how he does," Manuel said. "I like this kid, though. He's got a chance to do a real good job."