Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Oy Vey! Matt Kemp Heads Back to DL; Lilly Returns in His Place


What trying times are these?

Matt Kemp has to be going through a whirlwind of emotions.  He's had one of the toughest seasons a young burgeoning star could have.  From frequent stints on the Disabled List to the realization that a major award was stolen from him, you've got to really feel for him.

As the saying goes, "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," so hopefully this past many months becomes a springboard to better times.

Announced just a moment ago by the Dodgers is the news that Matt Kemp will be headed to the Disabled List for the 3rd time this season.  Via a @Dodgers tweet:


In Kemp's place will be pitcher Ted Lilly.  As originally reported several weeks ago by Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, Lilly is likely back with the Dodgers in a relief role.
"We'll give it a shot," said Mattingly. "Rick [Honeycutt, pitching coach] will set up a sim game tomorrow and every other day, and we'll see what it looks like. Ted said the best chance for him would be out of the bullpen. I want to be open-minded and see what it looks like."
It doesn't appear that he's done any in-game pitching on his recent DL stint since the above quote, so hopefully he's ready to go.


Below is the full Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today reinstated left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly from the 15-day disabled list and placed outfielder Matt Kemp on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to July 22) with a left ankle sprain.

Lilly last pitched in a Major League game on June 4 and has been on the disabled list, his third DL stint of the season, with a neck strain since June 5. The 37-year-old made two rehab starts with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on June 30 and July 6, combining to go 1-1 with a 10.80 ERA (10 ER/8.1 IP) in those outings. Overall, Lilly has gone 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five starts with the Dodgers this season.

Kemp will be making his third trip to the disabled list this season and played in one game (Sunday at Washington) since his previous DL stint from July 6-20 for left A-C joint inflammation. The 28-year-old has appeared in 62 games for the Dodgers this season, batting .263 with five homers and 27 RBI.

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