MLB Roundup: Matt Kemp progressing, Guillermo Mota retires, Indians and Dodgers trade
News and notes from around baseball on Sunday.
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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp has been cleared by doctors to run, reports Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.
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Kemp had surgery to repair his ankle four months ago and has since been rehabbing and working his way back into playing shape, with the Dodgers saying he is entering step five of a seven-step program. He ran for a brief period on Saturday, the first time he has done so since the surgery without the help of an anti-gravity treadmill.
There is still a lack of certainty as to when Kemp will be able to actually play in a game again, though he is hopeful he will see action during spring training. There is a good possibility that he will miss time at the beginning of the 2014 season, however.
Kemp, 29, played in just 106 games in 2012 and 73 games in 2013 due to a wide variety of injuries. He hit just .270/.328/.395 last year.
If he does miss time in 2014, the Dodgers are well-positioned with Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford all capable starters in the outfield.
Guillermo Mota retires
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After signing a minor-league deal with the Royals in January, reliever Guillermo Mota has instead left camp and decided to retire, reports Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.
He will finish his career having tossed in 743 career games while posting a 3.94 ERA. Mota won a World Series with the Giants in 2010.
Indians, Dodgers make trade
The Cleveland Indians have acquired infielder Justin Sellers from the Dodgers in exchange for cash, the Indians announced via Twitter.
Sellers was added to the Indians' 40-man roster with David Cooper being designated for assignment to make room. Sellers has played in a total of 82 major league games over parts of three seasons in Los Angeles. He holds a career .199/.278/.301 batting line, but can capably play any infield position. He holds a career 748 OPS in the minors.
No word on how much cash will head the Dodgers’ way in the deal.
Ramirez out another week
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Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez will need another 7-10 days before seeing game action in spring training, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Ramirez had surgery two weeks ago to remove a polyp from his colon, a procedure that was deemed to not be serious. He has been swinging a bat and taking part in fielding drills since going under the knife, but will need more time before playing.
The Brewers will be hoping for a full and healthy season from Ramirez following a 2013 campaign that saw him play in just 92 games with an 831 OPS. Ramirez led the league with 50 doubles and posted a 901 OPS in his first season with the Brewers in 2012. If he can come close to recreating those numbers, it could go a long way for the Brewers’ hopes of competing.
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