Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Won’t Swing Bat Until After All-Star Break

2013 has been the most frustrating season for Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp as he’s battled through multiple injuries and an early season slump before the All-Star break.

Kemp came into the season fresh off left shoulder surgery after he crashed into the wall at Coors Field late last season, but it was evident that he didn’t have the timing early in the season. To make matters worse, Kemp went on the DL with a hamstring injury, which led to the promotion of phenom Yasiel Puig.



After coming back and hitting two home runs at Coors Field, Kemp injured his shoulder in San Francisco and according to Austin Laymance of Dodgers.com, he wont swing a bat for a while:

“I’m sure he’s capable of swinging a bat, but they want to let this thing totally die down with the All-Star break coming,” said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. “We’ve got this period of time, so let the medication work, shut him down for seven days and then start.”

So far this season, Kemp is hitting .254 with four home runs and 24 RBIs as the Dodgers have made a push in the NL West standings without him.

After last night’s win, the Dodgers are above .500 for the first time since mid-April as they look to finish the first half on a high note.

Unfortunately for Kemp, he’ll have to continue to watch the team thrive, but it begs the question, what would this team be like if he were completely healthy?

Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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