The Kemp effect

On Jul. 30, the Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Matt Kemp in exchange for Hector Olivera. This was a move to attempt to provide better protection for first baseman Freddie Freeman. So far, the plan has worked, with Kemp being just the right person behind Freeman. Since Aug. 3, Freeman is hitting .333 (11-for-33) with four homers, four doubles and 11 RBIs, while Kemp is hitting .235 (8-for-34) with four extra-base hits and five RBIs. Although Kemp is off to a slow start, his name alone has impacted the way pitchers handle Freeman.

The whole lineup has also benefited from Kemp's presence. Since Aug. 3, the Braves have averaged 5.2 runs per game, which is well above their season mark of 3.6 per game. The top of the lineup, led by Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar, has gotten hot too. In the month of August, Inciarte is hitting .370, while Aybar is hitting .333. Behind Kemp, Nick Markakis and Adonis Garcia have had more opportunities to drive runners in. Since Aug. 2, Markakis is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs while Garcia is hitting .262 with six RBIs. Having Markakis and Adonis in the fifth and sixth spots in the order has created more depth for Atlanta's offense.

Overall, the lineup has benefited from the presence of Kemp, who takes the weight of hitting fourth off players who are better suited in the fifth through seventh spots. The Braves may not be able to sustain the offensive pace they have set of late, but they are in a better position for the transition to SunTrust Park in 2017.