Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp is returning to the field in a rehab assignment Saturday with the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes, according to the team.
Matt Kemp injury: Dodgers OF to begin minor league rehab Saturday
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp will make a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on Saturday.
USA TODAY Sports
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Kemp suffered a strained right hamstring on May 29 during a game against the Los Angeles Angels, exiting the game in the seventh inning. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day and has not played at any level since. After several setbacks, he was able to successfully run for the first time on Friday. According to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times, Kemp will serves as the Isotopes' designated hitter on Saturday and play several games in the field before he is reactivated.
Prior to landing on the DL, the 2011 MVP runner-up was struggling, hitting just .251/.305/.335 on the season. In his absence, the Dodgers have turned to Andre Ethier as their primary replacement in center. Ethier has played 16 games at the position since Kemp went on the DL, allowing rookie sensation Yasiel Puig to slide into his regular position in right. With Puig hitting an otherworldly .452/.477/.790 with six home runs in just 16 games, Kemp's return could result in reduced playing time for Ethier, and that has sparked speculation that the Dodgers may look to move him this season.
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