Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Rolls Ankle In Ninth Inning Against Nationals

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp came back from his shoulder injury this afternoon and quickly introduced himself to the Nationals with a towering home run, an RBI single and RBI double.

Kemp has missed time this season due to a severe hamstring injury while his latest stint on the DL stemmed from off-season shoulder surgery.

However, Kemp’s return to the lineup might be short lived as he rolled his ankle in the ninth inning against the Nationals. After the game, Don Mattingly and Matt Kemp discussed his condition to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:

Mattingly doesn’t anticipate Kemp will have to go on the DL. Thinks it’s relatively minor.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) July 21, 2013

Kemp: “I think I’ll be good.”

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) July 21, 2013

So far this season, the Dodgers have been notorious for saying players won’t be put on the DL to only have them miss time before eventually being sidelined a significant period of time.

While it’s good that Kemp believes he won’t miss time, the Dodgers need to be cautious with the center fielder. Yasiel Puig has cooled of late, but with four capable outfielders, Kemp can be extra careful.

Today against the Nationals marked the first time Kemp, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier were in the same lineup as the Dodgers have battled significant injuries all season.

With their win today, the Dodgers are 20-5 in their last 25 games and are in a tie with the Arizona Diamondbacks after they were in last place earlier in the month.

Even though Kemp and Mattingly believe it isn’t a significant injury, they shouldn’t rush him back as they have a capable outfield if he were to miss some time.