A lot can change between now and March 22, but at this point, don't expect to see Matt Kemp in the lineup when the Dodgers take on the Diamondbacks in a two-game set Down Under.
It should be noted that the source of the above information is former All-Star Dave Stewart, whose current career is being Kemp's agent. The logic is simple: Kemp has rushed back way too many times before, so he shouldn't do it again.
Does that mean Kemp has suffered another setback? Apparently not. He's been lifting weights for awhile, and just recently started running on a treadmill. That's much more than he did last winter, when left shoulder surgery prevented him from doing much of anything with weights.
I'm sure when Spring Training starts, we'll be getting our daily updates on how Kemp looks and what he did on the field. We'll probably get just as many updates on how he thinks he "feels great" and is "ready for Opening Day."
Maybe the more realistic goal for him to is to be ready for the games back in the States. The Dodgers play three in San Diego, starting with ESPN Sunday Night Baseball on March 30, before playing the Giants for three on April 4 in Dodger Stadium. Possibly he'll pinch-hit against the Diamondbacks and Padres before starting in center against the Giants? Just a thought.
Let's hope Kemp finds any sort of consistent health this season. I know the Dodgers still made the NLCS without him contributing much last year, but as I've said all along, they need him to get to where they want to be (on top of the world).
In the meantime, it's good to know that he has a Kardashian to keep him occupied in the offseason!
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