Matt Kemp won't be playing when the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a five-game series with the Braves on Thursday night.
Dodgers OF Matt Kemp ruled out for remainder of season
Kemp has been unable to play most of the second half of the season, appearing in just 11 games since August.
Lisa Blumenfeld
On Sunday evening, the Dodgers announced over their Twitter feed that Kemp would be shut down for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury he suffered back on July 21.
"To sum it up, if I keep playing on it, my ankle could break." -Matt Kemp on his status.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 29, 2013
Kemp appeared in just 73 games this season, hitting .270/.328/.395 over 290 at-bats. In addition to the sprained ankle, the 29-year-old outfielder was also shut down for about a week with hamstring tightness in early September. With Kemp figuring to play a huge role for the organization moving forward, it only makes sense for L.A. to take every precaution with him right now.
Dr Neal ElAttrache said Matt Kemp MRI indicated major swelling in one of the weight-bearing bones of his ankle
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) September 30, 2013
Fortunately for the Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly, they should be used to not having Kemp in the lineup. Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford are locks to start during the NLDS.
Andre Ethier's status remains up in the air with a sore ankle, and there's a chance he's only able to pinch-hit in the playoffs. If Ethier is unable to hold down center field, look for Skip Schumaker to make the start.
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