Phillies' Otto Kemp: Odd man out in Harper's return
Rotowire
Kemp is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Since being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on June 7, Kemp had started in all but one of the Phillies' ensuing 20 games, but he'll likely find himself on the bench against right-handed pitching more frequently after Philadelphia reinstated Bryce Harper (wrist) from the injured list Monday. The right-handed-hitting Kemp should continue to see regular playing time against left-handed pitching, likely occupying the short side of a platoon in left field with the left-handed-hitting Max Kepler.
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Phillies' Otto Kemp: Belts first career long ball
Rotowire
Kemp went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and a walk in Friday's 13-0 win over Atlanta.
Kemp lifted his first career homer, and he's now logged at least one hit in five of his last eight games. The 25-year-old rookie is helping fill in at first base for the injured Bryce Harper (wrist), and Kemp is slashing .242/.329/.339 with three doubles, nine RBI, nine runs scored and one stolen base over 70 plate appearances. That said, Kemp will be at risk of being optioned back to the minor leagues once Harper is ready to return, which could come as soon as next week.
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Phillies' Otto Kemp: Managing knee issue
Rotowire
Kemp's absence from the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins is due to a knee injury, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
The 25-year-old fouled a pitch off his knee during Tuesday's contest, and the subsequent swelling will keep him out of the lineup Wednesday for the first time since being promoted June 7. Kemp has a .278 average (10-for-39) in his first 10 big-league games, though his .306 slugging percentage is significantly less impressive as he has just one extra-base hit (a double). Alec Bohm shifted to first base Wednesday for the Phillies.
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Phillies' Otto Kemp: Delivers four hits
Rotowire
Kemp went 4-for-5 with three runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's win over Toronto.
Kemp singled four times Sunday, including a two-run base hit in the fourth inning. He picked up his first career steal and has produced three multi-hit performances over his last six games. Kemp was one of six Phillies with multiple hits in the victory. The 25-year-old rookie is slashing .345/.387/.379 through his first 31 plate appearances.
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Phillies' Otto Kemp: Makes second straight start at 3B
Rotowire
Kemp went 0-for-2 with a walk and was caught stealing in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Pirates.
Kemp has started at third base in both of the Phillies' games since he was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, but he's still looking for his first MLB hit, having gone 0-for-5 with three strikeouts between those two contests. With Alec Bohm shifting over to first base after Bryce Harper (wrist) was placed on the injured list, Kemp could have an opportunity to play regularly while he's up with the big club, though he may have to fend off Edmundo Sosa for playing time in the infield. The 25-year-old Kemp posted a 1.010 OPS and 11 steals in 58 games for Lehigh Valley this season and had an .881 OPS in 123 games across four levels of the minors in 2024, though he's been old for his level throughout his minor-league career.
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Phillies' Otto Kemp: Gets first big-league call-up
Rotowire
The Phillies selected Kemp's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Kemp has impressed at the Triple-A level this season, slashing .313/.416/.594 with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 55 RBI, 49 runs and 11 stolen bases over 58 games. His versatility is also an asset, as Kemp has logged time at both corner-infield positions as well as at second base and in left field in the minors this season. His promotion comes as a corresponding move to Bryce Harper (wrist) landing on the injured list.
