Can Jason Kendall still play baseball?

Well, the KC Royals are going to find out. Kendall signed a minor league contract and has been assigned to Double-A NW Arkansas.

The 38-year old catcher is expected to start on Friday night for the Naturals. He has not played since September of 2010 after a shoulder injury and subsequent surgeries. That year, he hit .256 with 18 doubles in 118 games for the Royals.

Kendall thought he’d give baseball another shot. He has been rehabbing in Kansas City and has provided a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Hopefully he can help the struggling pitching staff in NW Arkansas (including prospect Mike Montgomery).