kemp began the 2016 season with fresno, and was promoted to the major leagues on may 16. he was optioned to fresno on june 25, 2016, when a. j. reed was called up for his debut. on august 7, 2016, kemp was recalled to the astros. after former astros center fielder carlos gómez was designated for assignment, it was said that kemp and jake marisnick would be splitting duties in centerfield.