Howie Kendrick Replacement Possibilities

Howie Kendrick was put on the 15 day disabled list due to a broken bone in his left middle finger. Kendrick was hit by a pitch from Oakland's Chad Gaudin during Tuesday night's game. So the question now is, who will replace Howie?

Erick Aybar will probably be the main replacement for Kendrick. Aybar started today's game at 2nd base and went 0-for-3. His .125 batting average should fit in nicely with the rest of the Angels lineup.

Maicer Izturis could also see some time at second base. If Maicer plays second base, look for Robb Quinlan (0-for-12 this season) or Shea Hillenbrand (5-for-35) to fill in at 3rd base.

As for a replacement on the roster, there are a few options at AAA Salt Lake, all of which probably won't involve a second baseman. In the past three games, the Bees have started a different player at second base each game - Matt Brown, Adam Pavkovich and Casey Smith.

Here are the most likely players to be called up:

Kendry Morales was with the Angels last year and is hitting .304 with 1 home run and 7 rbi for the Bees this season. Although Kendry plays first base, he could be used as a switch hitting bat off the bench.

Brandon Wood, the Angels top prospect, could be called up as an extra bat. He just moved from shortstop to 3rd Base this spring, so defensively he could be a liability. Wood is hitting only .264 with 3 home runs and 8 rbi at Salt Lake City. He has also struck out 16 times in 53 at-bats.

Outfielders Nathan Haynes and Terry Evans are also possibilities although I think the Angels would like to have an extra infielder in Kendrick's absence.