Dodgers’ Matt Kemp 0-3 after strikeout with Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

The timing remains a work in progress for Matt Kemp in his first rehabilitation game since his July 21 sprained ankle.

The Dodgers outfielder struck out swinging in his third at-bat for the Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Thursday, as he fouled a 2-2 pitch from 21-year-old pitcher Stephen Landazuri into the glove of High Desert Mavericks catcher Steven Baron.

Kemp is 0-for-3 on the night, after grounding out to second base in the first inning and grounding into a double play in the third.

Kemp said before the game he was more concerned with addressing the timing of his swing than fretting about the ankle that he tested by running on basepaths Tuesday and running more Wednesday to gain a clearance to play for the Quakes.

He missed an 86-mph pitch from Landazuri, then stepped out of the batter’s box when a pitch at the knees was called strike two by plate umpire Lee Meyers.

Kemp took a ball inside and low, then fouled a 2-2 pitch softly down the third-base line before striking out.

A Dodgers official said before the game the goal was to get Kemp four or more at-bats Thursday. He’s expected to play with the Quakes through Saturday.