Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Takes Next Step Running On Treadmill

With every passing day, Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp continues to make steady progress from a tight hamstring that shut down his rehab from a severely sprained ankle a couple days ago.

Kemp continues to rehab at the Dodgers spring training facility in Arizona and after partaking in simulated games, he finally started running on a treadmill today. He ran on an ant-gravity treadmill and reported no soreness afterwards as the training staff formulates a plan for him to run the bases Don Mattingly told Austin Laymance of Dodgers.com:

 The club’s medical staff is formulating a plan for Kemp to run the bases soon, though manager Don Mattingly said he’s not sure of the timetable. He was running good, Mattingly said. Everything is really still pretty positive with all that. He swung the bat good again today.

It’s been quite the rehab process for Kemp as he’s certainly had his ups and downs, but it does sound like he’s clearing obstacles daily. The Dodgers will have 17 games left after tonight and without the use of the minor leagues, Kemp would likely see regular playing time at the big league level since things are decided in the NL West.

However, the real test will be depending on how Kemp performs, how does Mattingly construct his outfield? With how well Andre Ethier has been playing of late, it’d be hard to sit him down as Kemp would likely platoon with him or Carl Crawford.

Regardless, it’s good to hear that Kemp is continuing to progress and with the Dodgers taking care of business without him, he’ll be a welcome addition to the lineup.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about the impending signing of Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero!

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