Phillies Place Bryce Harper on IL, Call Up Otto Kemp: What's Next?
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The Philadelphia Phillies have placed star first baseman Bryce Harper on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. This move, announced Saturday, means Harper will be sidelined until at least June 16th. The Phillies have struggled without Harper, going 0-5 in the last five games he's missed, making his absence a significant blow to the team's lineup.
According to manager Rob Thomson, the injury isn't related to the earlier elbow contusion Harper suffered after being hit by a pitch. However, Harper admitted to playing through wrist soreness late last season, raising concerns about the recurring issue. Harper stated he could no longer function on the baseball field due to the pain.
In response to Harper's injury, the Phillies have called up Otto Kemp, a 25-year-old undrafted infielder, from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp has been performing well in the minor leagues, hitting .313/.416/.594 with Lehigh Valley this season. However, he is considered a below-average defender, which might limit his playing time.
Who is Otto Kemp?
Kemp's unexpected call-up offers a glimmer of hope amidst the Harper news. Despite being undrafted, he's shown promise at the plate. He primarily plays third base, but with Alec Bohm holding down that position, Kemp might see some action at first base.
Kemp's Minor League Stats
- Batting Average: .313
- On-Base Percentage: .416
- Slugging Percentage: .594
- Strikeout Rate: 25%
The Phillies are hoping Kemp can provide some offensive spark while Harper recovers. The last undrafted hitter signed by the Phillies to reach the majors was Jeff Grotewold in 1992, putting Kemp in rare company.
Harper's return date is uncertain, as it depends on how his wrist responds to treatment. In the meantime, the Phillies will rely on Kemp and other players to step up and fill the void left by their star player.