Braves GM: Kemp needs to work on getting in shape

Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella knows Matt Kemp's recipe for success.

Having acquired the outfielder from the San Diego Padres in July, the Braves executive feels Kemp hasn't played up to par in his defensive duties due to a disappointing lack of fitness.

"He is not in shape," Coppolella admitted Sunday on MLB Network Radio. "And that's something we need to work on with him. He's been told about it. We're going to talk about it more."

Since joining the Braves, Kemp has played exclusively in left field after having played in right his entire Padres tenure, a switch that Coppolella maintains will pan out once Kemp improves his conditioning.

"A big part of why he isn't good in left is because he's out of shape," Coppolella said. "If he gets in shape he'll be much better there."

Though Kemp has already amassed a defensive runs saved mark of -4 in 18 games with Atlanta, his offensive production this season helps balance out the negatives for Coppolella.

"That being said, with him not being in the best shape, he's still 30 doubles, 25 homers, 80 RBIs, and he's hitting .260, which is a huge upgrade from what we were running out there," the general manager said.