Atlanta Braves outfielder Matt Kemp right hamstring strain injury update
By Jeff Schafer
Braves Kemp on DL, but for how much longer?
The Atlanta Braves lineup needs Matt Kemp…yeah, I said it. What now?
Having the 32-year-old’s bat in the lineup day in and day out helps the Braves tremendously and in my mind, there’s no doubt about it.
The veteran outfielder has been out since July 28 with a right hamstring strain. 2017 has been all about hamstring issues for Kemp. In the beginning part of this season, he missed time due to a left hamstring strain and then earlier in the year his right one flared up.
When trying to extend a single into a double on July 28, the right hamstring popped up again.
When Kemp arrived at the field on July 29, the hamstring didn’t get any better over night. The Braves placed him on the DL that day and he’s been there since.
We haven’t heard much out of the Braves camp about Kemp’s injury or return…until today.
Kemp has a slash line of .290/.336/.477 with 14 homers, 21 doubles, 48 RBIs, 40 runs scored. He’s played in 88 games this season.
#Braves' Matt Kemp (hamstring) is only now about to begin running, hitting, baseball activities. No timetable for return. Nor for 3B Garcia.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 8, 2017
Braves Kelsey Wingert told us prior to the game that the Braves are expecting Kemp to go on next road trip with the team and work with the trainers. Meaning he won’t be on a rehab assignment until next week — Braves play the Phillies in a two-game series, then a day off and a three game trip to St. Louis.
Injuries have always been tied with Kemp throughout his professional career. If he could stay healthy, he’s one dangerous hitter.
He’s signed with the Braves through the 2019 season so the Braves have their #4 batter for at least two more seasons…unless they trade him, which I hope they don’t do.
What I do hope they do with Kemp is take it easy with him.
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The Braves are currently 51-59 and are most likely out of playoff contention. Atlanta should not rush him back because really there’s no point.
Let’s do everything we can to get these hamstrings healed up and ready to go for next year. With Kemp aging, we shouldn’t be taking unnecessary risks of rushing him back to the field.
Here’s a stat for you…
Prior to Kemp going on the DL and since returning from his DL stint (July 4), Freddie Freeman went only four games without a hit. Yep, only four games going 0-fer at the plate.
Since Kemp went on the DL, Freeman has had four games without a hit…but this is out of only nine games. Yep, Freddie hasn’t had a hit in four out of the nine games Kemp has missed.
Are these stats all because Kemp’s on the DL? Probably not, but you can’t beat protection.
With Kemp behind Freeman in the lineup, pitchers can’t give up anything. Without Kemp behind Freeman, pitchers aren’t giving Freeman anything to hit.
Next: Braves Were Really After Michael Fulmer
My thoughts are: Kemp in the lineup is a must. A healthy Matt Kemp can make this lineup deep and dangerous.