Matt Kemp has only been able to join his Dodgers teammates on the field for 63 games this season, and it appears that his return isn’t coming any time soon. According to CBS Sports, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has affirmed that Kemp will not be returning to the starting lineup on August 6th, as originally planned. Kemp’s left ankle sprain seems to be more serious than originally diagnosed.
Don Mattingly confirmed by saying:
“We were hoping this was going to be a simple ankle sprain, but it’s a lot more serious than that. He’s been able to do some things, but is having soreness with that. We’re still not where we need to be.”
Luckily for the Dodgers, while Kemp has been away, outfielders Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Yasiel Puig has been able to hold down the burden while Kemp has been away, but Kemp is a known team contributor.