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Kemp takes batting practice for first time since injury

Dodgers star eligible to return Tuesday, but yet to begin running on left ankle

ST. LOUIS -- Matt Kemp took another step toward a return Wednesday, taking batting practice for the first time in his rehab from a sprained left ankle, but the most significant obstacle to his recovery remains.

While eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, Kemp has yet to begin running on his ankle.

"It felt good to get back out there and hit a little bit," Kemp said. "I felt like a real baseball player. It's been tough. Play a little bit, don't play, out for a while, come back. You know, it's a start. It's better than where I was."

Kemp said the swelling is nearly gone, but couldn't provide a timetable for his return.

"I can't give you too much because I know just about the same as ya'll," he said. "My body is the person that's going to tell me whenever I'm ready to start running."

Chad Thornburg is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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