Reds cut ties with Kemp after disappointing start

The Cincinnati Reds released outfielder Matt Kemp, who had been a disappointment since being acquired in an offseason deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cincinnati also demoted former 30-homer man Scott Schebler to Triple-A Louisville.

Kemp, a three-time All-Star, was batting just .200 with one homer and five RBIs in 20 games.

The 34-year-old Kemp last played for the Reds on April 21, when he suffered a broken left rib after colliding with the leftfield wall in San Diego. DODGERS’ BELLINGER SITS OUT >> Hot-hitting Cody Bellinger wasn’t in the Dodgers’ starting lineup Saturday night against the San Diego Padres due to a separated right shoulder suffered during Friday’s game.

Bellinger told reporters the shoulder “popped out” and immediately popped back in as he dove for a ball while playing first base. He was examined and remained in the gane and later finished it in right field. NATIONALS’ SOTO HITS IL >> The Washington Nationals put left fielder Juan Soto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms.

Soto is batting .248 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 28 games this season.

The 20-year-old is the fourth Nationals starter to go on the IL, joining third baseman Anthony Rendon, shortstop Trea Turner and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

YANKEES COMING AND GOING >> In another twist to the New York Yankees’ injury-riddled season, the team activated third baseman Miguel Andujar from the 10-day injured list and put lefthander James Paxton on it.

Andujar suffered a partial tear of the labrum in his right shoulder when he dove into third base on March 31.

Paxton’s injury is left knee inflammation. He started Friday’s 6-3 win over the Twins but left after allowing two hits, three walks and an unearned run in three innings.