The "M-V-P" chants were extra loud on Tuesday and there was an electric atmosphere at Dodger Stadium for Matt Kemp's return from the disabled list as the Dodgers welcomed back their superstar center fielder.
"I woke up this morning and it felt like Opening Day," Kemp said before the game, his first major league action since May 13.
Though exciting, in the end Kemp's debut was disappointing as the Dodgers lost 2-1 to the Brewers. Kemp was 1-for-4 with a ninth-inning double but was stranded at third base as the final out was recorded.
Kemp wasn't the only Dodger unable to figure out rookie Mike Fiers, who pitched seven strong innings for the win in his first major league start.
Kemp came closest to a home run in the fourth inning when he flied to very deep right field. He has no home runs in 12 games in May after hitting 12 home runs in 23 games in April.
NOTES, QUOTES
Rivera's return appears to be close
--OF/1B Juan Rivera returned to Los Angeles after two minor league rehab games with Triple-A Albuquerque. Rivera, who has been out since May 9 with a ruptured left hamstring tendon, is expected to play two more rehab games with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday and Thursday, then be activated Friday as the Dodgers open a 10-game road trip at Colorado.
--RHP Nathan Eovaldi was recalled from Double-A Chattanooga to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday in place of the injured Ted Lilly and allowed two runs in seven innings but took the loss to Milwaukee. Eovaldi last started for the Dodgers on Sept. 3, 2011.
--RF Andre Ethier went 2-for-3 with an RBI and is hitting .370 with 19 RBI in 25 games in May. Ethier leads the National League with 43 RBI on the season.
--OF/1B Jerry Sands was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for CF Matt Kemp. Sands was 4-for-20 with two doubles in eight games with the Dodgers.
--CF Matt Kemp was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday after missing 14 games with a strained left hamstring. Kemp batted third for the Dodgers and went 1-for-4 in the 2-1 loss to Milwaukee.
BY THE NUMBERS: 45 -- Plate appearances by Matt Kemp in May without a home run, after 12 home runs in 98 plate appearances in April.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I woke up this morning and it felt like Opening Day." -- Matt Kemp, on getting activated from the disabled list Tuesday after missing 14 games with a strained left hamstring.
