DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL West—Kemp progressing slowly, Van Slyke recalled
Aug 2 2013
Matt Kemp (OF, LA) isn't progressing as quickly as he or the team had hoped, and it's been speculated that he could be sidelined until September. It's clear that he won't be ready on August 6, when he is first eligible.
Scott Van Slyke (OF, LA) has mashed to the tune of a .355/.472/.658 batting line in 152 at-bats for Triple-A Albuquerque this year, and was recalled July 31. He's hit just .241 with a 70% contact rate with the Dodgers, but has six home runs and a 198 PX in 87 at-bats. That type of power production isn't a sustainable level for the 27-year-old, but he could still be helpful in the Dodgers' lineup.
Van Slyke doesn't have a regular role at this point, but that could change. In addition to Kemp's health,
Almost!
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