Mind Over Matter: Matt Kemp’s Rehab Progress {Videos}

Matt Kemp has been rehabbing with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Advanced-A affiliate of the Dodgers, for four games. On Sunday, Kemp went 0-for-3 with 2 strikeouts and a walk. It was the first time Kemp had reached base in his rehab assignment, but he was promptly caught in a rundown on a strike ’em out throw ’em out double play. Kemp says that he does not yet feel comfortable at the plate, and he will continue to work until he does before being recalled to the Dodgers.

Kemp’s ankle seemed fine last night from what I could see, and it doesn’t seem to be an issue with his shoulder. Kemp does seem to be a bit frustrated and lacking total focus at the plate. He seems to be reading the ball a little slow especially the low pitches. After one swing and miss, Kemp sort of hit his bat down in frustration slightly.

It will take some time for Kemp to regain his timing and confidence at the plate, and he will continue to rehab in Rancho Cucamonga for their final regular season game on Monday. It is unclear whether Kemp would continue to play with the Quakes as they head into their first postseason series which begins Wednesday or perhaps continue extended rehab in Arizona or elsewhere.

Kemp is 0-for-14 with 7 strikeouts in 4 rehab games with the Quakes.

Here is three videos which I took of some of Matt Kemp’s at-bats last night:

He walks in his first at-bat:

He strikes out:

He strikes out again: