Matt Kemp is playing well for the Dodgers. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
LOS ANGELES — Age is a relative thing but there were times over the past two years when Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp must have felt old beyond his years.
But Kemp has been swinging the bat like a younger version of himself the past few months. On his 30th birthday Tuesday night, he hit yet another home run, a two-run shot that helped the Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2 and move within one game of clinching the National League West title.
“It’s a good birthday gift,” Kemp said. “Hitting a home run, getting a win, knowing we’re one game away from clinching the division.
“But I’m 30, dang. That’s an ugly number.”
After a laugh, Kemp retracted that, “Naw, I’m going to get better from here.”
For most of two seasons, Kemp kept vowing to get better once he healed and regained his strength after two shoulder surgeries and a microfracture surgery on his ankle over the past two falls.
That time has arrived since the All-Star break.
Since then, Kemp has been one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball again. His 16 home runs are the most in the National League since the break. His .590 slugging percentage is the highest in baseball (minimum 75 at-bats) and his .953 on-base-plus-slugging percentage is sixth. His eight home runs in September are tied for the major league lead.
“The last two years have been pretty freaky,” Kemp said. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m pretty happy with where I am. Just got to stay healthy and on the field.”
As Kemp’s health has rebounded, his swagger and confidence have returned. A clubhouse that was ruled by Yasiel Puig’s rambunctious personality is now once again rotating around Kemp.
“Matt has been on point,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s been one of the emotional leaders in our clubhouse as far as, ‘Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go.’ Just keeping us focused day to day.”
