Kennedy Is Making Most of Opportunity

On Thursday, second baseman Adam Kennedy tied a career high with four hits. On Friday, he started against a left-handed pitcher for the first time since April 9. He got two more hits, and Manager Mike Scioscia said Kennedy could remain in the lineup full time if he keeps hitting.

When the Angels acquired Kennedy in the trade that sent All-Star outfielder Jim Edmonds to St. Louis two years ago, they billed him as their second baseman for the next decade. But they limited him to platoon status in the second half last season and the first two months this season, and slick-fielding prospect Alfredo Amezaga could push David Eckstein from shortstop to second base next season--and could push Kennedy to the bench or to another team.

“It’s a big year,” Kennedy said. “They’ll make a decision on whether they want me around for longer than this year, and that depends on me. I have to take care of that.

“And, the more we win, the better team chemistry we’ll have, and the more reason they’ll have to keep me.”

Kennedy is batting .276. In his last 16 games, he has scored 10 runs and driven in nine.

The Angels promoted Amezaga for a few days as an injury replacement, and his four-hit game Tuesday prompted some fans to wonder why the team didn’t stay with the rookie and bench Kennedy. But in his first full season at triple-A, Amezaga is batting .235.

“Kennedy is fine,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “His defense has really picked up. With him and [Jose] Nieves and Benji [Gil], we’ve got the guys for that job.

“We’ve got to keep Amezaga playing all the time. There’s no question about his defensive ability. If his bat was where his defensive ability is now, he’d be an everyday major leaguer. It’s going to take a little more time for that to happen.”

*

The Twins will induct Bert Blyleven into their hall of fame tonight. Blyleven, whose career included 11 seasons with the Twins and two with the Angels, ranks fourth on the all-time strikeout list.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

KEVIN APPIER

(5-2, 2.98 ERA)

vs.

TWINS’

KYLE LOHSE

(4-3, 4.88 ERA)

Metrodome, Minneapolis, 4 p.m. PDT

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Update--The Angels announced that their makeup game in Detroit will be played Aug. 5. The team activated its top outfield prospect, Nathan Haynes, who underwent thumb surgery in March. Haynes was assigned to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and will eventually report to triple-A Salt Lake.