Howie Kendrick (2B/OF, WAS) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Washington Nationals second baseman/outfielder Howie Kendrick homered twice over the weekend and extended his hitting streak to seven games in the process. The veteran is slashing .299/.330/.526 for the season, slugging four homers.

With Daniel Murphy still working his way back from offseason microfracture surgery, Kendrick has carved out an everyday role for himself hitting in the top half of the Nationals lineup. The pop may not persist, but the 34-year-old has always been a reliable source of batting average and hitting in front of Bryce Harper certainly has its perks.

Matchups against the Pirates and Phillies are not exactly ideal for Kendrick and the Nats, but the veteran has shown that he can be an effective player and his positional versatility is nice as well. A caution on those buying Kendrick, though: Murphy was seen at Nationals Park on Monday and may be getting closer to be activated. Either way, ride Kendrick while he is hot.