Matt Kemp exits game with injury

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The Braves have hit the injury bug as of late. Freddie Freeman has been on the DL and will remain there for over a month, Adonis Garcia is scheduled to have surgery on his left ring finger and will miss at least two months, and now Matt Kemp has exited Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the Nationals with an apparent leg injury.

The injury occurred on a botched pick off attempt by Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton, as the ball flew past first baseman Ryan Zimmerman into the right field corner. Kemp was attempting to go from first to third on the error, and was thrown out on a bang-bang play that was only possible because of an absolute dart thrown from Bryce Harper.

It appeared to be Kemp’s hamstring that was bothering him as he limped back to the dugout after sliding into third. The 32-year old is not quite the athlete he once was, but that has not stopped him from having an all-star caliber year for the Braves. He has hit .327 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in just 54 games this season. He is barely trailing Cubs outfielder and former Brave Jason Heyward in fan votes for the final outfield spot in the all-star game. However, if the position was voted on by the coaches, Kemp would be a no doubt starter for the national league squad.

Atlanta has been able to stay afloat while Freddie Freeman has been sidelined, but an injury to Matt Kemp would make it impossible for this team to continue to compete. Hopefully, the injury is nothing serious.

Update: It was confirmed by the Braves that it was indeed hamstring tightness that led to Kemp’s exit in Wednesday’s game. Snitker said Kemp could be back in the lineup as early as Friday. They have an off day tomorrow before starting a three game set with the streaking hot Marlins. 

 

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