Matt Kemp To Begin Rehab Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting closer to getting outfielder Matt Kemp back in their lineup.

Kemp will begin a rehab assignment with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Tuesday.

The Dodgers are hopeful that they will get Kempback into the lineup after the All-Star break.

Kemp has been out since May 30 when he re-aggravated his left hamstring against the Milwaukee Brewers. barring any further setbacks, he will return to the Dodgers lineup on July 13 against the San Diego Padres. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly sounded optimistic about his return.

“He’s pretty much going to play the rest of the way through the break,” Mattingly said. “There will be some designed days in there, kind of easy days. He’s DHing tomorrow and then he’s playing five innings the next day and then there’s another DH day in there. There are days in there designed to keep him playing but to keep him from being on his leg every day.”

Dodgers Notes : Andre Eithier who has been out with a strained oblique since June 27, could return to the lineup as soon as this week. “Andre’s good today,” Mattingly said. “He’s out here doing most everything but he’s not going to hit. He feels better today. He’s still day to day but I know he feels a lot better. It’s more of a decision of not taking any chances. I think he feels like he’s really close to being ready.”