Matt Kemp's agent on benching: 'It's a little harsh'

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp was benched for the fourth straight game Monday amid concerns over the former All-Star's poor defensive play.

After struggling in center field during last week's road trip, manager Don Mattingly said Kemp is lacking the explosiveness to play the position and that the team will begin working him out in left field.

Despite his lackluster play in the field, Kemp is heating up at the plate over the last month, improving his season line to .264/.327/.453 with five home runs. 

The situation has Kemp's agent, former big leaguer Dave Stewart, dumbfounded. 

"In my opinion, not playing for four straight days is a little harsh," Stewart told SB Nation. "You can't blame him for every time that they've lost."

Stewart said Kemp's being treated unfairly.

"Two years ago this guy ran into a wall, literally, for the ball club. He came back and injured his hamstrings, then his ankle," Stewart said. "They feel that he's missing a step. When I played, when you give 100 percent and get hurt you have the right to come back and play your position."

To his credit, Kemp is trying to say all the right things.

In the meantime, at a salary of $21 million this season, Kemp might be the most expensive platoon player in baseball history.