Dodger prepares for All-Star Derby at Isotopes Park

Double-secret batting practice came early Saturday at Isotopes Park.

Nearly five hours before the Isotopes’ 6-3 loss to Round Rock, three people took the field. ‘Topes manager Lorenzo Bundy pitched, strength coach Brandon McDaniel caught and Matt Kemp hit.

Just a handful of stadium workers saw the Los Angeles Dodgers star take his hacks, and it was not a typical Kemp BP session.

	Saturday Express 6 Isotopes 3 Today Round Rock at Albuquerque, 6 p.m. Radio: KNML-AM (610)

This was Derby practice.

Kemp, who is in Albuquerque this weekend to complete an injury rehab assignment, plans to return to the majors for Monday’s All-Star Home Run Derby in Kansas City. He was named captain of the National League’s Derby squad in June and selected the NL participants, himself included.

The balky left hamstring that twice has forced Kemp to the disabled list this season is fine, the slugger said Saturday. He played four rehab games for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga this week and reported no problems.

Of more pressing concern now is the Home Run Derby.

“He’s serious about this thing,” Bundy said. “That’s what our BP was all about today, trying to simulate the All-Star Home Run Derby.”

That meant no batting cage and a different approach for Kemp.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly recently said Kemp is not an ideal Derby candidate because he is not a natural pull hitter. Kemp was aware of the comment.

“(Mattingly) just said that because he knows what type of hitter I am,” Kemp said. “I go mostly right-center, and it’s not usually right-center guys who win the Derby.”

With that in mind, the right-handed Kemp worked almost exclusively on pulling the ball Saturday. Asked about the session, Kemp grinned.

“I got a couple balls out of the park,” he said.

All the way out.

Isotopes second baseman Alex Castellanos reported seeing a Kemp shot land on the roof of a trailer in the CNM parking lot – beyond Isotopes Park’s overflow parking, which is beyond the left-field picnic area.

Bundy confirmed Kemp’s power display.

“I’d say it went pretty well for him,” Bundy said. “Matt already chose (Dodgers bullpen catcher) Rob Flippo to pitch to him at the Derby, but after our session he was almost thinking he should take me instead. He hit some balls a very long way.”

Why were Kemp and Bundy willing to discuss the secret batting practice? Well, because it wasn’t intended to be a secret.

Kemp arrived in Albuquerque on Saturday morning and planned to take on-field hitting late in the afternoon. But with clouds building rapidly around Isotopes Park, he opted to go early, before media members and pretty much anyone else arrived.

It proved a good decision, as rain caused the grounds crew to pull out the field tarps shortly after Kemp’s hitting ended. Extended showers convinced Bundy to scratch Kemp from a start in soggy center field and play him at designated hitter. Where he’ll start tonight may also be determined by the weather.

Batting practice aside, there was some legitimate secrecy surrounding Kemp on Saturday. Between his BP session and the Isotopes’ 7:05 p.m. start, Kemp was informed Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton had suffered a knee injury and would miss the Home Run Derby.

Kemp immediately set about choosing a replacement.

“He was in here on the Internet,” Bundy said, “trying to pick a replacement. Since there are already two lefties on the NL team, Matt wanted to pick a right-handed hitter. I’m telling you, he really wants the NL to win.”

Kemp’s decision was that Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates will take Stanton’s place in the Derby. Even before the announcement, Kemp’s focus had returned to his own performance – in Albuquerque and with the Dodgers.

“Being here is kind of bittersweet,” he said. “It’s fun and I get to see some friends, but I’m itchin’ to get back to Dodger Stadium.”

As for the Home Run Derby, Kemp said he’s looking forward to both the challenge and a little redemption.

“Can I win? We’ll see,” Kemp said. “Last year I only hit two home runs. I have to do a lot better than that.”
— This article appeared on page D1 of the Albuquerque Journal