Tony Kemp Has Best Reaction To Breaking Out Of Daytime Slump

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Oakland A's utility man Tony Kemp found himself in a rut this season when it came to his offensive performance during day games. In his 40+ at-bats in afternoon matchups, Kemp was hitless.

The slump went viral ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks. And wouldn't you know it, he broke the streak the same day.

Kemp entered his most recent outing with a .000 batting average in day games, going an astounding 0-40 at the dish. He’d add to that unfortunate stat in his first plate appearance as he grounded out to second base.

nah man this has to be some kind of record pic.twitter.com/ij9LhgoA0N

— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) May 17, 2023

Kemp would remain hitless in his second plate appearance as he drew a walk, but he’d break out of the slump with a seventh inning single off of Arizona reliever Kyle Nelson.

His reaction was perfect.

Kemp jokingly asked his teammates to get the ball so he could keep it as a souvenir.

Tony Kemp followed Laureano's homer with a single. Kemp was 0-for-41 in day games before that. He jokingly signaled to the dugout to ask for the ball.

— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) May 17, 2023

The single not only broke Kemp's slump, but it was also his first hit in a game since May 8th.

On the year, the dynamic infielder/outfielder is hitting .169 with a home run. The difference in his night game vs. day game performance is absurd.

At 1-for-43 in the afternoon, he's hitting just .023 in the daytime. Compare that to his .247 average under the lights, and maybe it's time for Kemp to invest in some sunglasses or eye black.

Tony Kemp is hoping the slump-buster will help him get into a groove at the plate. The A's are back in action on Friday against AL West rival Houston.

Luckily for Kemp, that game will be played at night.