Kyle Kendrick, Phillies set for October baseball

You can’t say that right-hander Kyle Kendrick lacks a sense of humor.

The strains of Jane’s Addiction’s ‘Been Caught Stealing’ emanate from the PA when he warms up to start a ballgame at Citizens Bank Park.

‘Been Caught Stealing’ has been Kendrick’s song since May when police uncovered his stolen 2008 World Series ring, which was taken in a robbery at his home in April.

“It’s a cool song. It works for my situation,” Kendrick said. “I got the ring and I can laugh about it now. But I still like warming up to that song. I really like Jane’s Addiction.”

Kendrick hasn’t heard his song at Citizens Bank Park that often. He hasn’t opened a game in nearly a month. However, he’s been tabbed as the starter for the first end of a day-night doubleheader today against Florida.

“It’s not a big deal for me,” Kendrick said. “I’m a starter and I can come back in that role anytime they need me. I’m very comfortable going out there kicking off a game and pitching as many innings as I can.”

However, Kendrick figures to be part of the ’pen during the playoffs.

“That’s fine,” Kendrick said. “I’ll do whatever I can do to help the team. I just want to go out there and get outs.”

Phillies punch playoff ticket

The Phillies will be in the playoffs for a fifth straight season. The club clinched at least a wild-card berth yesterday, with a 1-0 win over Houston.

Aside from a few congratulatory handshakes and smiles, the Phils treated it as just another game. This team has bigger aspirations — and much more work to do. Their magic number to clinch the NL East is down to four games.

“The important thing is to get the home-field advantage,” Charlie Manuel said. “I feel good about the players and the organization.”

Roy Halladay (18-5) earned the win with a complete-game shutout. With the win, the 2011 Phillies became the fastest — at game No. 146 — in franchise history to clinch a spot in the postseason.

“I’m excited, but the important thing is to finish what we have left and go from there,” Halladay said.