Overview
- The Phillies optioned Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday and are expected to add outfielder Steward Berroa to the active roster, according to reporting from The Athletic and other outlets.
- Interim manager Don Mattingly said Kemp’s limited playing time made it hard to find regular at-bats, which factored into the decision to send him down rather than force him into the lineup.
- Philadelphia acquired Berroa after the Milwaukee Brewers designated him for assignment in early April and claimed him for cash considerations about five days later.
- Berroa is being promoted for his speed and defense after a strong Triple-A stretch this year (.761 OPS, four home runs, nine stolen bases in 38 games) despite a limited major-league sample that shows a .167 batting average in 42 at-bats.
- The change continues a season-long pattern of bench churn for the Phillies and could affect late-game substitution patterns and potential platoon looks in upcoming games against the Dodgers if center-field playing time becomes more match-up driven.