Kemp likely headed back to DL

The Dodgers amazingly performed well without Matt Kemp, going 9-5 while the superstar center fielder was on the disabled list due to a left hamstring strain.

They might have to attempt to duplicate the feat, as Kemp is hurt again.

In just his second game back from the disabled list, Kemp aggravated his left hamstring injury while scoring from first base on a first-inning double by Andre Ethier. Kemp was removed from the game and replaced in center field by Tony Gwynn Jr. after just one inning.

Kemp will have an MRI exam Thursday to reveal the extent of the injury.

The news is a blow to the Dodgers, who were getting closer to full strength in recent days. Jerry Hairston Jr. missed 16 games with a left hamstring strain but returned last Friday, and Juan Rivera is a few days from returning after missing three weeks with a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring.

Kemp said after Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Brewers that he expects to go on the disabled list because "it feels worse than the first time."

NOTES, QUOTES
Kershaw loses his Chavez Ravine magic
   --LHP Clayton Kershaw allowed a season-high-tying five runs in 5 2/3 innings Wednesday in a 6-3 loss to the Brewers. After tying a Los Angeles Dodgers record with 12 consecutive home wins from May 2, 2011, to April 27, 2012, Kershaw has lost three of his past five home starts.
   --RF Andre Ethier went 3-for-4 with an RBI double Wednesday against Milwaukee. He is hitting .436 (17-for-39) in his last 10 games. Ethier leads the NL with 44 RBI.
   --CF Matt Kemp left Wednesday's game after just one inning, having aggravating his left hamstring while scoring from first on a double by RF Andre Ethier. Kemp, who had just returned from the disabled list Tuesday after missing 14 games, will have an MRI exam Thursday, but he is expected to return to the disabled list.
   --1B James Loney batted second Wednesday for the first time this season and the 18th time in his career. Loney batted second 15 times late last season, and in his career had hit .324 with six doubles and three home runs as a starter at that spot. However, he went 0-for-4 Wednesday and is hitting just .245 on the season.
   --OF/1B Juan Rivera moved his rehab assignment to Class A Rancho Cucamonga, and he went 0-for-3 Wednesday. He had gone a combined 2-for-5 in two games for Class AAA Albuquerque earlier this week. Rivera, out since May 9 due to a left hamstring injury, hopes to be activated Friday when the Dodgers open a series in Colorado.
   --3B Juan Uribe is slowly progressing from the left wrist injury that has sidelined him since May 14. He has returned to taking batting practice.
   BY THE NUMBERS: 5 -- Plate appearances by CF Matt Kemp after returning from the disabled list before re-injuring his left hamstring.
   QUOTE TO NOTE: "I would think so. It feels worse than the first time." -- CF Matt Kemp, on whether he would return to the disabled list after aggravating his left hamstring injury Wednesday night.