Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was asked after Matt Kemp‘s 0-for-5, four-strikeout performance Monday whether he’ll considered moving Kemp further down in the lineup.

“Tonight it was lefty [pitcher C.J. Wilson], and he’s hit lefties good,” Mattingly said. “Honestly, we’re going to need Matt. I’ve seen that lesson over the years. I just don’t give up on guys. I’m not going to give up on Matt, and Matt’s going to get going. Obviously I will at certain times hit him at different spots, trying to take maybe a little pressure off him, things like that. That’s another day.”

Kemp was booed roundly by the announced crowd of 49,953 at Dodger Stadium after striking out to end the eighth inning. Tomorrow the Dodgers will face a right-hander, Joe Blanton, who owns Kemp. In 18 head-to-head at-bats, Kemp has two singles, a double and four strikeouts — a .167 career average.

Since his 14-game hitting streak ended on May 15, Kemp is batting .125 (5 for 40) with 19 strikeouts.