Dodgers trade versatile former All-Star to Phillies

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies got the veteran hitter they wanted.

Howie Kendrick was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday for first baseman Darin Ruf and utilityman Darnell Sweeney.

"Howie Kendrick brings a proven, veteran presence to our young lineup," general manager Matt Klentak said. "He is a hard worker, a great teammate and a true professional hitter. In addition, Howie's defensive versatility provides significant flexibility to our roster, which should prove to be valuable to our club in 2017."

A 2011 AL All-Star, Kendrick hit .255 with 26 doubles, eight home runs, 40 RBIs, a team-leading 10 stolen bases and a .326 on-base percentage for the NL West champion Los Angeles…