Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 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
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 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 Sought Advice From Chase Utley To Gain Better Understanding Of Platoon Role
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Sought Advice From Chase Utley To Gain Better Understanding Of Platoon Role

Matthew Moreno
October 11, 2018
3 Min Read
Kiké Hernandez, Matt Kemp, Chase Utley
Paul Bereswill-Getty Images
SHARE

When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Matt Kemp last offseason in a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves, his stay with the organization was expected to be short-lived. But Kemp wound up reporting to Spring Training with the Dodgers and went on to make their Opening Day roster.

DRESS LIKE THE PLAYERS IN OUR EXCLUSIVE ‘WORLD SERIES ATTITUDE’ SHIRT

Kemp produced at an MVP level for the team in the second half en route to being named to his first All-Star Game since 2012. Now, however, Kemp finds himself filling another role. He’s one of the several players who was platooned down the stretch of the year and into the postseason.

“It’s a little bit different,” Kemp said of the current phase of his career. “You know, I’m not playing every single game, but it’s just good to be back here, be in a situation where I’ve got a chance to do some big things and just be back in the playoffs again. It’s fun, even just watching, to be ready to try to make an impact in any situation that I can.”

Kemp previously put an emphasis on those in a platoon needing to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team as they look to win their first World Series in 30 years. He’s also aware there isn’t much of an option.

“Honestly, we have no choice but to buy into it,” Kemp said with a laugh. “It’s been working. Like you said, we got guys on the bench that could go somewhere and play every single day and make an impact. But we’re trying to win a championship, and every guy is on the same page, and our own common goal is to win a championship. And everybody is staying ready.”

To better understand how to succeed in his new role, Kemp sought out advice from Chase Utley. The veteran second baseman has seen his playing time diminish, but not his impact on the clubhouse despite being left off the Dodgers’ NLDS roster.

“Chase was one of the guys that I went to, you know, because he’s been in a similar situation,” Kemp said. “But you got so many guys on the bench that can make a big impact. Guys are staying ready and staying hot just in case something happens because you never know when you’re going to come in the game.”

Kemp didn’t make his postseason debut until Game 3 of the National League Division Series. He went 1-for-3 with a double, and also made a pinch-hit appearance in Game 4.

Want to get your content COMPLETELY AD FREE? Click here to follow us on Apple News!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2018 NLCSChase UtleyLos Angeles DodgersMatt Kemp
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Brian Cashman, 2024 World Series
Dodgers News

Yankees GM Brian Cashman: Dodgers ‘Have Raised The Bar’

February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the dugout
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Unable To Explain Struggles In First Inning

September 21, 2019
September 21, 2019
Jack Flaherty, 2024 World Series
Rumors

Jack Flaherty Free Agency Rumors: Contract Could Reach Six Years

December 9, 2024
December 9, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May against the Tampa Bay Rays
Dodgers News

Dodgers 2019 Player Reviews: Dustin May

December 18, 2019
December 18, 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