Dodgers’ Matt Kemp again out of starting lineup

Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp was out of the starting lineup for a second game Thursday after he crashed into an outfield wall in Colorado.

“Feel better today, just a little sore,� Kemp said before the Dodgers took batting practice at Dodger Stadium without him.

Asked whether he would attempt any baseball activities Thursday, Kemp replied, “No, just rest it, see how it feels tomorrow.�

Earlier this season, the center fielder sat out 51 games because of a strained hamstring.

“It’s been a frustrating year,� said Kemp, who is batting .337 with 17 home runs and 54 runs batted in. “I’ve sat out a lot of games. I’m used to playing every day, so it’s frustrating when I don’t.�

Kemp said that his problem was “mainly the [left] knee� and that he was “trying to get the swelling to go down a little bit more.�

But Manager Don Mattingly said Kemp’s left shoulder also was an issue. “The left shoulder, it seemed like he just couldn’t quite get that loose, so they’ll keep working on that,� Mattingly said.

Billingsley gets treatment

Starting pitcher Chad Billingsley was scheduled to receive an injection of platelet-rich plasma Thursday in hopes of promoting the healing of the right-hander’s sore elbow, Mattingly said.

The procedure was “the next step of trying to see if he’s going to be able to pitch again this year, and then we go from there,� Mattingly said.

Billingsley went on the 15-day disabled list after the elbow problem, which had troubled him earlier this season, resurfaced last Friday. Before that, Billingsley had won six consecutive decisions.

“It’s hard to replace what Bills was doing, as good as he was throwing the ball,� Mattingly said.

Jansen seeing doctor

Kenley Jansen also was scheduled to see a doctor Thursday about the heart condition that again has sidelined the Dodgers’ closer, who spent a month on the disabled list last season because of an irregular heartbeat.

In the meantime, Mattingly said right-handers Ronald Belisario and Brandon League would share the closer’s role.

“Beli’s thrown the ball really well,� Mattingly said. “He’s had a few little stretches [of trouble], but his stuff is good. Brandon started off a little shaky but has been really good.�

Reliever Matt Guerrier, meanwhile, was activated from the 60-day disabled list and reliever Josh Wall was sent to triple-A Albuquerque. Guerrier, who had elbow tendinitis, had not appeared in a game since April 18.

Shortstop Dee Gordon (thumb injury) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, and he’s eligible to be reinstated Monday.

Dodgers ticket prices

Dodgers President Stan Kasten, asked during a fan discussion whether Dodger Stadium ticket prices would rise following the Dodgers’ big recent trades, said, “My guess is no, not for next year.�

“We’re working on that now,� Kasten said Wednesday night. “I don’t have an answer. Truly it’s not decided yet, but we’re getting close. But I don’t think so for next year.�

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