Kemp ready to test ankle by running bases

LOS ANGELES -- Matt Kemp is scheduled to run the bases on Tuesday, one of the final tests for his sprained left ankle before the Dodgers clear the center fielder to begin a rehab assignment.

The Dodgers want Kemp to run the bases at least twice this week to see how his ankle responds. If all goes well, Kemp could play in rehab games before Minor League seasons end next week.

"When guys start running the bases, that means we're hoping they're getting close to going and playing somewhere," manager Don Mattingly said. "But it's how he responds to all those things. It will be a couple of days of baserunning, and then we see how that response is. Matt needs to be 100 percent."

Kemp, on the disabled list for the third time this season, had a scheduled day off on Monday. He took batting practice and ran on Sunday.

The Dodgers could get Kemp at-bats in Arizona Instructional League if he does not begin a rehab assignment before Minor League seasons end.

Kemp has been sidelined since July 21, when he injured his ankle in an awkward slide at the plate in Washington. He's missed 69 games this season and played 62.