When the Los Angeles Dodgers began Cactus League play this year, it marked the first time Matt Kemp was playing for the organization since the 2014 National League Division Series. Kemp immediately made his presence felt by going 2-for-2 with two RBI.
After singling in his first at-bat, Kemp electrified the crowd at Camelback Ranch with a go-ahead, three-run home run in his next trip to the plate. He was moved by a “pretty cool” reception fans provided.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t surprised that Kemp can still be productive at the plate. But Roberts said he’s made it clear to the 33-year-old that he must improve defensively, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“We haven’t seen Matt in a few years,” Roberts said. “So for us to see him and see how his body is moving. … It’s really not in the batter’s box. He’s been very productive throughout his career (offensively). Obviously there are good seasons and there are not so good seasons but in the batter’s box he’s been pretty consistent with production. The dropoff has been defensively. I think that’s something Matt’s very clear on and for us to keep an eye on.”
Kemp is just two seasons removed from a 35-home run display with the Atlanta Braves, but struggled to stay on the field last season. Furthermore, he was statistically among the worst defensive outfielders in all of baseball by various advanced metrics.
In an effort to improve on that end, Kemp reportedly lost 40 pounds during the offseason. That could pay dividends not just with his glove, but maintaining his health over the course of a 162-game season.
Now that Kemp is back with the Dodgers, Roberts is confident that Kemp will take the necessary steps to improve defensively. He cited the weight loss and extra motivation of being on a winning club that will push him over the hump.
