Braves outfielder Matt Kemp (hamstring) and second baseman Brandon Phillips (groin) each left the game Thursday after suffering injuries. The team said both players are day-to-day.
Phillips said he tweaked his left groin while swinging and missing at a pitch during his second at-bat of the fifth inning. He drew a walk, ran from first to third base on Nick Markakis’ single and scored on Danny Santana’s base hit. Phillips was replaced for the sixth inning.
Phillips missed two games in April because of a left groin strain but said the pain wasn’t as bad this time.
“I’ll play tomorrow,” Phillips said. “I’m just going to wear a big ole sleeve on my leg. I just felt it grab a little bit. I just wanted to make sure I was safe.”
The Braves said Kemp had left hamstring tightness. He was replaced by pinch runner Santana after hitting a single in the fifth inning.
Kemp went on the 10-day disabled list in April because of a right hamstring strain. He told Braves manager Brian Snitker about the tightness before his final at-bat.
“He’s been through that and he gets it and knows it and I’m glad he does,” Snitker said. “I want to know that because we can’t afford to lose him for an extended period.”
Kemp declined an interview request via a team spokesman after the game.
