Matt Kemp left Tuesday’s Rockies-Dodgers game in the first inning two batters after crashing into the wall in center field.
The All-Star was chasing a deep blast by Josh Rutledge when he ran full-speed into the wall. Kemp fell to the ground and began rolling in obvious pain.
The 27-year-old slugger was examined by Dodgers trainers for a few minutes and somehow managed to stay in the game, even flashing a smile. On the next play he dove for a ball in center and seemed to jar his neck. The following batter singled to center, and Kemp didn’t get much on his throw to the infield. Left fielder Shane Victorino realized something was wrong and signaled to the dugout that Kemp needed to leave. This time Kemp did not object to exiting the game.
Victorino moved over to center and Juan Rivera entered the game to play left field.
Kemp was taken for precautionary X-rays on his jaw and did not exhibit concussion-like symptoms, according to the Dodgers.
Kemp’s had a wicked struggle with Coors Field this road trip. The previous night, he jumped into the fence to the right of center while chasing a ball, although his impact was with much less force.
Kemp would be advised to work on getting a better feel for the fences in center at Coors Field before playing there again. Hopefully he recovers without a problem. He had a six-game hitting streak going after breaking out of an 0-21 slump, and he was just beginning to get hot again.
