Matt Kemp’s first home run as a Padre came on April 18 -- 12 games into the season. He hasn’t hit one since -- that’s 26 games. He went 38 games between home runs last season from April 27 through June 12, and he still managed to hit 25 homers by the end of the year. Kemp seems unconcerned about his current drought, according to U-T San Diego:
"There's been 37 games? So there's 125 left?" Kemp asked from inside the clubhouse. "I've got a lot of time to make up for what I haven't done. I've never really worried about how many home runs I get. The main concern for me is winning games.”
Matt Calkins of the U-T suggests that he might be trying too hard. He quotes manager Bud Black:
"All the guys are sort of pressing, and Matt probably more so than most," the Padres manager said. "His care factor is high. He has to be the guy. He wants that responsibility.”
Despite his lack of home runs, Kemp is third on the club with 22 RBIs.
(h/t U-T San Diego)
