Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Matt Kemp, Kershaw, Free Agents, Scully

The Dodgers evened the season series against the Giants at six to six on Saturday night with a well-played three to one victory. Alex Wood got back on the winning side of the game and Kenley Jansen recorded his 17th save of the season.

Matt Kemp continued his blazing ways in 2018 with a home run against Madison Bumgarner, his 12th of the season. Kemp’s night did not end after the home run as he hit single later in the game and got on base one other time with a walk. The night was just another of many in which Kemp’s batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS saw a positive uptick and it was another in which he has proven his true value to the Dodgers this season. Kemp was not even supposed to make the opening day team and now, he is undoubtedly the team’s most productive player. Kemp is also making a push for the All-Star game, a feat that he has no control over. However, you, the readers of this article, can vote up to 25 times a day and that is what the resurgent outfielder needs to return to the mid-summer classic.

Other notes…

• Clayton Kershaw appears to be well ahead of schedule in his rehab from his fourth back injury in three years. Dave Roberts told the media that the 30-year old ace is getting close to pitching in a simulated game which will lead to a rehab assignment. The Dodgers have handled Kershaw’s absence very well, winning 11 of the 13 total games since Kershaw hit the self on June first. When he returns, one can only imagine the boost it will provide and how the Dodgers will play moving forward. Kershaw will, at the very least, provide consistent innings every fifth day, something the Dodgers have not gotten outside of Ross Stripling who has been excellent. As usual, updates on Kershaw’s status will be provided as it is made available.

More from Dodgers Way

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• Dodgers fans shouldn’t dismiss interest in Dansby Swanson for this reason
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Dodgers might find their next Tyler Anderson with this free agent target

• On Saturday morning, the Dodgers made a signing, picking up right-handed pitcher, Drew Hutchison on a minor-league deal. Hutchison is just 27-years old and adding him to the roster was likely done in response to the uncanny amount of pitching injuries the Dodgers have dealt with this year. Hutchison has major league experience as recent as this season and dating back 2012 when he made his major league debut. In his career, which has spanned parts of the 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 seasons, the right-handed pitcher has an ERA of 4.92 and an ERA+ of just 81. As of now, he has no place on the major league roster but adding him as a depth move cannot hurt. Hutchison will likely be a starter with Triple-A OKC.

Next: Dodgers: 2018 Showing Just How Special LA's Depth is

• Although it is not the typical news you see in a Quick Hits, Dodgers’ icon broadcaster, Vin Scully accepted the Inspiration Award from Yasiel Puig and his Wild Horse Foundation. When Puig made his major league debut, Scully nicknamed him The Wild Horse for his untamed play style. The nickname stuck and Puig named his charity after the name given to him by the 67-year veteran. Puig’s foundation serves underprivileged youth in Los Angeles.