GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers will begin getting some answers later this week on one of their more pressing question marks this spring.
Matt Kemp will have an MRI on his left ankle Friday, an exam that could set the course for the rest of his spring. If doctors clear Kemp to resume running, he could be playing in spring games within a week or so and would have a realistic chance of being on the field shortly after Opening Day.
The Dodgers have already ruled out Kemp for their season opener March 22 in Australia.
Kemp had ankle surgery in October and has been cleared for all baseball activities that don't involve running. He has run on an anti-gravity treadmill.
Friday's test is the latest of the monthly exams Kemp has been undergoing. He had microfracture surgery on the talus bone. The doctor also removed bone spurs and a loose body on Oct. 21.
"I'm assuming once we get the green light to go forward, it's still going to be a progression to get him ready," manager Don Mattingly said. "But obviously we're hoping for a good report to help him move forward. I'm sure he's getting tired of taking BP and not being with the rest of the guys."