When the Dodgers opened the season, they probably expected Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp to fill out the middle of the order on most occasions. Injuries have prevented that from happening very often, but both Kemp and Ramirez are in Tuesday's lineup.
Matt Kemp, Hanley Ramirez return to Dodgers’ lineup
The Dodgers’ lineup will get a boost on Tuesday with the returns of Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez.
Stephen Dunn
Kemp is hitting fifth and playing centerfield in his first start since being activated from the disabled list on Monday. He hasn’t started since July 21 due to a sprained ankle. He may have come back sooner, but had some tightness in his right hamstring during his rehab assignment.
Ramirez will bat third for the Dodgers after sitting out four games. The shortstop hasn’t played since Thursday due to an irritated nerve in his back. While he’s been limited to 80 games this season due to injury, when he’s played he’s been a star. The 29-year-old enters Tuesday’s game with a slash line of .342/.390/.634.
The returns of Kemp and Ramirez should give the Dodgers a boost after losing four straight. The two have been in the lineup together in just 12 of 150 games this season. Los Angeles is 8-4 in those 12 games. A win against Arizona on Tuesday would move Los Angeles one step closer to clinching the NL West.
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