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That Balls Outta Here

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Atlanta Braves

By Mike Azzalina

Jun 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates his RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Giants, 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates his RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Giants, 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) hits a home run against the Washington Nationals in the third inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) hits a home run against the Washington Nationals in the third inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Position Player: Matt Kemp

As I considered the offense for the Braves, I was surprised to see the different players that are having success heading into June. Ender Inciarte has found himself heating up to .299/.348/.423 while leading the Braves with 70 hits. Meanwhile, the Brandon Phillips hit parade continued when he left Philly. He is currently at .290/.344/.402 through nearly 170 at bats.

However, the numbers that most caught my eye were those of one Matt Kemp. The righty has found the old stroke that made him a household name during his time with the Dodgers. He is currently slashing a tremendous .335/.369/.580 in 188 at bats with a team leading 30 RBI.

Apr 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Padres, 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Padres, 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

This season, he has been better against righties than he has against southpaws, and solid at home. He is hitting .303 with only two of his ten homers at SunTrust Park.

The Phillies pitcher he has the most success against is the only one he will not face in this series. His 7-11 mark against Jeremy Hellickson will have to wait until later in 2017. He carries in an 0-5 against Aaron Nola and a 2-5 against Jerad Eickhoff. We will have to wait and see how he fairs against newcomers Nick Pivetta and Ben Lively.

Kemp loves to get his arms extended. Do not challenge him on the outer-half right now. He has been red hot when he can extend his strong arms. It will be important for the young Phillies pitchers to locate inside on his hands where he can’t extend the barrel. Oddly enough, he has been able to go down and getting breaking balls this season. Up in the zone? He has struggled tremendously.

He poses the Phils with an interesting matchup this week. When the two teams met in mid-April, the 32 year old was 3-13 with a homer and two RBI. The Phils hope to keep the damage to that minimal extent over the next four days.

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