What can Nats expect from Kendrick after Achilles rupture?

As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Howie Kendrick, who was poised to be a key veteran presence on the team before rupturing his Achilles tendon.

PLAYER REVIEW: HOWIE KENDRICK

Age on opening day 2019: 35

How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2018

MLB service time: 12 years, 91 days

2018 salary: $3 million

Contract status: Signed for $4 million in 2019, free agent in 2020

2018 stats: 40 G, 160 PA, 152 AB, 17 R, 46 H, 14 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB, 1 CS, 5 BB, 29 SO, .303 AVG, .331 OBP, .474 SLG, .805 OPS, -4 DRS (at 2B), -1 DRS (at LF), 0.4 fWAR, -0.2 bWAR

Quotable: "I always try to look at everything on the bright side. I'm always positive. And even though this sucks, I got to find something to do. There's no point in being mopey about it. It won't heal as fast. The happier I am, the faster I'll heal. So hopefully I'll get this out of the way." - Kendrick, the night he suffered his injury

2018 analysis: After watching the positive impact he had in 2017 as a midseason acquisition, the Nationals made it a priority to re-sign Kendrick over the winter, giving the versatile veteran a two-year, $7 million contract. In a perfect world, he'd come off the bench and make occasional starts at second base and in left field. But with Daniel Murphy slow to heal from his offseason knee surgery, Kendrick found himself as something close to the Nats' everyday second baseman to begin the year.

At the plate, Kendrick did what he always does: put together quality at-bats on a consistent basis. He didn't draw many walks, but the Nationals happily swapped that in exchange for all of his singles and doubles.

In the field, Kendrick was adequate but hardly spectacular. More mobile at second base than Murphy, he still wasn't able to make as many plays as others around the league at his position, particularly struggling to turn double play attempts with necessary speed.

The abrupt end of Kendrick's season didn't take place at second base, though. It came in one of only five games he started in left field. Backing up to catch a deep fly ball by the Dodgers' Max Muncy in the first game of a May 19 doubleheader, he stepped awkwardly, and as he tried to throw the ball back to the infield his right foot gave out. Kendrick had to be carted off the field, and by day's end, he had been diagnosed with a ruptured Achillies tendon.

2019 outlook: We tend to forget about him because of the injury, but Kendrick will be back with the Nationals next season, thanks to that two-year deal the club gave him last winter. The question is what kind of player he'll be after the major injury.

The success rate for Achilles tendon surgery is high, but the Nats have to recognize that there are no guarantees here. Kendrick, who will turn 36 in July, wasn't the most agile ballplayer to begin with. And at this stage of his career, there are going to be days when his leg just doesn't feel 100 percent.

The Nationals saw firsthand this season with Murphy and Adam Eaton how the wear and tear can be a problem for veterans returning from significant leg injuries. Hopefully, they remember that and try to ease Kendrick back into the fray instead of throwing him right to the wolves, even if he insists he feels great.

There's every reason to hope Kendrick can be an important part of the 2019 Nationals. But everyone would be wise not to simply assume that will be true.