Kemp Scheduled For Shoulder Surgery Today

Matt Kemp the Dodger’s team captain and center fielder, is scheduled for surgery on his left shoulder sometime later today. He injured his shoulder during an August 28th death-defying crash into the center field wall trying to catch a fly ball during a game at Coors Field against Colorado. The team had originally feared Bison to have a concussion and a bruised knee bone. However his shoulder injury surfaced a short time later. The results of the MRI revealed Kemp to have a frayed labrum. Team doctors are still not entirely sure of the extent of the damage to Bison’s shoulder.

Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE

If a cleanup is needed the recovery time is four to six weeks. However extensive damage may require major repair, which would mean a three month recovery time. Regardless, Kemp is expected to be ready by the start of spring training. Matt Kemp, after coming off a monster year where he led the National League in home runs, runs scored, and RBIs, has had an injury filled frustrating season. Kemp missed 51 games earlier this year because of a strained left hamstring.  

Kemp only played in 106 games this season. Despite all of the injuries, Kemp still put up all-star numbers in 2012. Kemp finished the season with a slash line of .303/.367/.538 That’s a .906 OPS. Bison hit 23 home runs, and finished with 69 RBI. He scored 74 runs, walked 40 times, and whiffed 103 times. Kemp has never had any significant injuries. The only other time Kemp had been on the DL was back in 2007 when he suffered a shoulder separation ironically.  

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Despite warnings from the Dodger’s medical team Bison chose to play through his shoulder pain. Despite struggling after the injury, Kemp had begun to receive treatment for his ailing shoulder. He was reporting feeling better. which led to him swinging the bat better the last week of the season. He did hit five home runs over the last 12 games.

When asked about the surgery, Bison said he was nervous because he has never had surgery before. Kemp is the team leader, and offensive catalyst. A big reason the Dodgers missed the playoffs this season is because they didn’t have a healthy Bison. Matt Kemp’s success and the Dodger’s success are directly correlated. We wish Matt Kemp a speedy recovery, and a healthy winter.