Injured Los Angeles Dodgers star Matt Kemp will begin a rehab assignment with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday and will play in at least three games before returning to the major league squad, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Matt Kemp to begin rehab assignment Thursday
Kemp has missed 70 games this season with a myriad of injuries, but is looking to return to the Dodgers’ lineup soon.
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True Blue LA: Matt Kemp to begin rehab assignment Thursday
SB Nation site True Blue LA gives their take on Kemp's rehab assignment Kemp is on the disabled list for the third time this season. His most recent injury was a sprained left ankle suffered on July 21 in a collision at home plate.
The Dodgers have had Kemp go through runnings exercises on both Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time since he sustained his injury. He reportedly felt no problems with his ankle, allowing him to be cleared for a rehab assignment.
This season has been rough for Kemp. He has played in just 62 games while dealing first with a right hamstring strain, then an irritation of the AC Joint on his left shoulder before his current sprain. Kemp had previously had offseason surgery on the same shoulder to repair a torn labrum.
When Kemp has been in the lineup, he has not been nearly as effective as in recent seasons. In 2013, Kemp has hit just .263/.319/.382 with five home runs and nine stolen bases. The Dodgers will have the luxury of resting him now and again over the next month with Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Yasiel Puig, all established starters, in the outfield as well.
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