Matt Kemp Taking Rest at Triple-A as Ill Effects From Broken Rib Return
By Sean Facey
Matt Kemp's attempt at revitalizing his season with the Mets is on hold at the moment.
The aging veteran is set to rest a few games in Triple-A before the team reassesses him as he continues to deal with the lingering effects of his broken rib.
Matt Kemp is experiencing “lingering effects” from the broken rib he sustained while playing for the Reds. He’s sitting out a few games in Triple-A before the #Mets reassess him.
— Deesha Thosar (@DeeshaThosar) June 11, 2019
After a stellar 2018 campaign with the Dodgers, Kemp fell into a rut in his brief stint in Cincinnati this year. Ultimately, he was released and then signed with the Mets after he broke his rib while playing for the Reds.
In 20 games for the Reds, he posted an abysmal .200/.210/.283 slash line with just one home run in 62 plate appearances.
The 34-year-old outfielder fared only marginally better in Triple-A Syracuse this year, posting a .601 OPS through his first eight games.
MATT KEMP HOMERS FOR THE #METS
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 7, 2019
Watch the @Mets OF go yard for @SyracuseMets ? https://t.co/tQ8fKMMJXt pic.twitter.com/wqAUhj1qij
Fortunately, the Mets aren't in urgent need of his assistance. Though star outfielder Brandon Nimmo is currently on the 10-day injured list, outfielders Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil have pieced together quality campaigns in 2019.
Needless to say, though, watching a veteran of Kemp's caliber struggle to get back to action can be frustrating. Hopefully this is only a speed bump on his road back to full health.