Reports Friday didn't paint a good picture for the health of Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp. Barring a surprise, Kemp won't be ready for the team's early start to the 2014 season.
Kemp is recovering from offseason shoulder and ankle surgery. However, he hasn't begun work in training camp and, according to Los Angeles Times writer Dylan Hernandez, likely won't make next month's trip to Australia.
Asked about Kemp's possibilities, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said the Dodgers are "not hopeful."
The team is scheduled to play two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Australia on March 22 and 23. Their continental schedule begins March 30.
Luckily, the Dodgers have a full set of starting outfielders available. As SN's Jesse Spector noted this week, Andre Ethier is available along with right fielder Yasiel Puig and left fielder Carl Crawford.
Kemp could have an MRI exam next week to gauge his progress, Mattingly said, per Hernandez.
Reports say Kemp has not done the usual early-camp work, including running, taking batting practice and shagging flies.
An additional question regarding Kemp: Will he be able to stay healthy? He played 73 games last season because of his injuries.