Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Dodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Dodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
    • 2026 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Enjoying Competing For Starting Job In Left Field
Dodgers NewsSpring Training

Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Enjoying Competing For Starting Job In Left Field

Daniel Starkand
March 12, 2018
3 Min Read
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves during the offseason, they were very clear that the trade was made for financial reasons. It was presumed unlikely that Kemp would be with the organization once Spring Training began.

And it was considered even less likely that he would be part of the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. But due to the enormity of his contract, declining defense and inconsistent production in recent seasons, the Dodgers were unable to trade Kemp.

So he reported to camp with the Dodgers for the first time since 2014. Any awkwardness quickly gave way to pleasant interactions as Kemp sported a team-first attitude and renewed outlook.

That’s been despite uncertainty still surrounding Kemp’s standing with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts has made it clear the 33-year-old is not guaranteed anything and he is competing with others for time in left field.

That competition is something Kemp said he’s fully embraced, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:

Kemp came into camp with a different mindset than he's had in recent years: "Yeah, I'm competing, I haven't had to compete for a job in a long time, but I like to be in that mindset." #Dodgers

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 11, 2018

In 10 games so far this spring, Kemp is 11-for-26 (.423 batting average) with a team-leading four home runs to go along with seven RBI and six runs scored. He went 3-for-3 with a home run in Sunday’s 13-7 win over the Colorado Rockies.

While a trade is still possible, considering Kemp’s value may be going up as he continues to prove he can still perform, it may very well be that the Dodgers elect to keep his power bat in their lineup.

Kemp’s main competition in left field is Andrew Toles, although he is a left-handed hitter so they can form a natural platoon if that’s what Roberts and the front office decide to go with.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2018 Spring TrainingLos Angeles DodgersMatt Kemp
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Clayton-kershaw-4
Dodgers News

Dodgers Injury Update: Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu Advancing Slowly Down Rehab Trail

July 30, 2016
July 30, 2016
Mark Prior, Landon Knack
Dodgers News

Mark Prior & Landon Knack Celebrated During USC Football Game Against Notre Dame

December 1, 2024
December 1, 2024
Dave Roberts, 2025 Dodgers Spring Training, Dodgers workout
Dodgers NewsSpring Training

Dodgers Spring Training: Dave Roberts Emphasizes Mental Approach & Preparation In Speech Before First Full-Squad Workout

February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Walker Buehler, Justin Turner Bid Farewell To Hyun-Jin Ryu

December 29, 2019
December 29, 2019

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어