Dodgers not rushing Kemp, Lilly
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without a pair of key contributors, CF Matt Kemp and LHP Ted Lilly, for a while, and though both are getting closer to rejoining the team there is still no specific timetable for their respective returns.
Kemp has been on the disabled list since May 31 with a left hamstring strain, the second one he has suffered this season. He will accompany the Dodgers to Oakland on their road trip this week but no date has been set for his return. Kemp was originally estimated to miss four weeks.
"If you start putting a timetable on it, these guys are goal-oriented. It's almost like it pushes the guy to do something before his body is ready to do it," said manager Don Mattingly. "I think it's better not to put those artificial deadlines on these guys. Let's find out when they're healthy and ready to go, and let's go."
Lilly has been on the disabled list since May 24 with left shoulder inflammation. He still hasn't thrown since going on the disabled list but has reported slight improvement in his shoulder in recent days. However, the Dodgers will be cautious with Lilly.
"We don't have a timetable. It's been one of those things in the past, when he's had this kind of thing going on he came back too early," said Mattingly. "They want him to be pain-free before he starts throwing again, and he's not there yet."
Once he starts throwing again, Lilly will need to build his arm strength back up and pitch in minor-league rehab games before he is ready to rejoin the Dodgers, meaning he is likely at least a month away.
With Kemp and Lilly, the Dodgers don't know exactly when they will return. But one thing is certain: they won't be rushed back.
