Dodgers Keep Kemp On Bench

The Dodgers made their final roster cuts after Saturday’s Freeway Series loss to the Angels, and they included one surprise: the choice of Matt Kemp over Larry Bigbie for a reserve outfield spot.

The Dodgers kept Kemp, reliever Rudy Seanez and infielder Wilson Valdez and, as expected, sent infielders James Loney and Andy LaRoche and reliever Chin-hui Tsao to triple-A Las Vegas.

Rafael Furcal, Hong-Chih Kuo, Yhency Brazoban and Jason Repko will start the season on the 15-day disabled list.

Bigbie has until today to find a job on another major-league roster, ask for his release or accept his assignment to triple-A. Kemp, 22, hit .253 with seven home runs in 52 games with the Dodgers last season but also hit .368 in 44 games with Las Vegas.

“The last two or three days (Kemp) really played well,” General Manager Ned Colletti said. “He can play all three outfield spots and he gives us balance on our bench because he’s right handed. Clark was our only other right-handed hitter. Plus he’s got power.”

Furcal, out with a sprained ankle, will be eligible to return on Saturday for the fifth game of the season.

Loney, who hit .380 in Las Vegas last season, will return there.

He hit .414 this spring but the Dodgers couldn’t find a spot for him. Asked how Loney took the news, Manager Grady Little said, “Not good, and understandably so.”

“We’re going to be looking for the opportunity to get him back up here,” Little said.

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