Philadelphia Phillies infielder Otto Kemp has been catching attention with his impressive start in Triple-A. The twenty-five-year-old infielder wasn't viewed as an important roster piece; however, his recent production is demanding attention. While Alec Bohm's month-long struggles continue, the minor league third baseman is demanding Philly pay attention. Kemp is hitting a sizzling .331 while adding in 10 homers and consistently adding value as a base runner.
Everything you want to see from a minor league player demanding promotion is exactly the level to which Kemp is performing. When you add in Bohm's continual underachieving, the Phillies have to be considering giving Kemp a look. While Bohm has a proven upside, why wouldn't the Phillies attempt to benefit from Kemp's recent hot streak? This is a team in one of the toughest divisions in baseball attempting to catch the Mets and keep the Braves firmly behind them.
Otto Kemp Deserves a Chance With the Phillies at the Next Level
While Edmundo Sosa is off to a great start at the plate, he is better in a utility role. Bringing up Kemp is about finding out whether something has finally clicked for the prospect or the last month is simply an outlier of a hot streak for the minor leaguer. Kemp does bring value as well in his ability to not only play third but also second and first as well. If the Phillies have any injuries or chances to make a roster move, the obvious call-up is going to be Otto Kemp.
This brings us to the difficult piece of figuring out who exactly the Phillies might demote to make room for the infielder. Weston Wilson is the obvious answer despite the outfielder's solid start for Philly. Moving forward with four outfielders and Kyle Schwarber as the emergency fifth option is the only clear path to creating a roster spot for Kemp.
While Brandon Marsh is scuffling at the plate, the team isn't likely ready to give up on the veteran. Marsh is still expected to serve as an important piece of the team's outfield platoon. This is where things grow a bit sticky for what is, in many ways, an obvious move. The Phillies could use an offensive boost at the bottom of their lineup, and Otto Kemp is doing everything you're supposed to do to earn a promotion. No question, Kemp is putting the team in a tough spot and giving fans hope that perhaps some surprise help is on the way.