Padres RF Matt Kemp eating downtown, C Christian Bethancourt starting in his place

Padres right fielder Matt Kemp was seen hanging out by radio hosts Scott & BR at the Union Kitchen & Tap eating french fries at 3pm today. One of the Mighty 1090 sales guys went to ask Kemp if he wanted to be on the show and he said "No" x 7 and went back to eating his fries. Someone told Scott that Kemp was waiting to talk to his agent.

The guys wondered if there were any rumors that Kemp might be part of a transaction now that the season is all but over with the Padres in last place and 17-25. After all it's somewhat strange for a player to be out and about on a game day, even if it's a late start of 7:40.

Soon after it was confirmed that Matt Kemp would not be starting in right field for Friday's game.

In his place is Christian Bethancourt who will make his right field debut. This may all be nothing but a rest day for Matt Kemp who has played in just about every game this season, but then again you never know.