Los Angeles Dodgers player Matt Kemp is hoping to be recovered from offseason ankle and shoulder surgery in time for the season-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Australia. However, Kemp's agent is advising him to take it easy and not rush getting back too soon.
Dave Stewart said that Kemp has not suffered a setback in his rehabilitation and is telling Kemp to postpone his debut as a precaution.
"His biggest issue with injuries has been trying to get back too soon," said Stewart. "I'm urging him to make sure he's totally healthy."
When asked how much Kemp has listened to his advice, Stewart laughed, and replied, "Not very."
Stewart continued, saying, "He's really, really biting at the bit."
Kemp was limited to just 73 games last season because of a severe ankle sprain.
The Dodgers' season starts March 22nd in Sydney, Australia, with a two game set against the Diamondbacks. Their next regular season game will be on March 30th against San Diego.
Even without Kemp in the outfield, the team has three other high performing players in Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford.
Kemp was cleared to run on the anti-gravity treadmill about two weeks ago. He has had no problems with his shoulder and has been able to lift weights regularly, something he couldn't do last winter when he had the surgery on the same shoulder.
"I'd like to take the same approach the Dodgers are taking: Be sure of yourself, don't push yourself," Stewart said. "I think the team and I are on the same page."
But getting Kemp to listen to his agent may prove to be a "difficult task."
"It's not going to be easy," said Stewart. "How we get that done, I have no idea."
Reference: LA Times.
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