L.A. Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp has issued a statement saying he's not dating Rihanna ... but they are good friends. Ones who go on vacation to Cabo together.

The rumored pair were photographed recently kissing and flirting, but according to Kemp, apparently that’s just an extension of a deep "friendship" with the star.

His rep said: “I think dating might be a stretch at this point."

"Yes, they are in Cabo San Lucas, but past that they are just good friends, and I don’t think we can label it as anything other than friendship right now.”

He added: “Who knows what will develop past the friendship.”

Rihanna and Matt Kemp have been canoodling in recent weeks.

While we initially dismissed rumors linking them together as mere tabloid gossip, Matt Kemp and Rihanna really were spotted smooching in Mexico earlier this month.

We imagine his rep's vague denial is just a means of trying to deflect speculation and keeping the baseball player's options open as they see how things play out.

If things go well, though, he might want to update his Match.com ad.