Life has been rough for the Philadelphia Phillies, who picked up their third straight defeat in the form of Friday's 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies are now an abysmal 1-7 in their last eight games as they continue to fall back in the NL East race, leaving time to tell if they can turn things around before they worsen.
Unfortunately, any potential turnaround might have to happen without one of Philadelphia's top players.
On Saturday, the Phillies announced that first baseman Bryce Harper has been placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 6) due to inflammation in his right wrist. The eight-time MLB All-Star hasn't looked right in recent weeks and clearly needs time to heal to help him return to form.
Although Harper's situation is less than ideal, his landing on the IL has opened the door for the Phillies to call up a top prospect.
Phillies Promote INF/OF Prospect Otto Kemp After Bryce Harper Lands on IL
Following Harper's IL placement, the Phillies have selected Triple-A Lehigh Valley infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp's contract. The Fullerton, CA native opened the day as Philadelphia's No. 24-ranked prospect, according to the MLB Pipeline.
Today the Phillies selected the contract of INF/OF Otto Kemp from Lehigh Valley (AAA). 1B Bryce Harper was placed on the 10-day IL (retro to 6/6) with right wrist inflammation. RHP Daniel Robert was recalled from LV. Following last night’s game, RHP Alan Rangel was optioned to…
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 7, 2025
Phillies fans have been waiting quite some time for Kemp to be given a big-league opportunity, and now he has a chance to prove he's worth the hype. The versatile 5-foot-11, 185-pound prospect is slashing .317/.417/.602 in 57 games (221 at-bats) with the IronPigs this season, amassing 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 55 RBIs, 66 walks, and 11 stolen bases along the way.
Kemp also has experience playing every infield position except for catcher, which includes 64 1/3 innings at first base in 2025. Hopefully, can hold the fort down defensively at first until Harper returns.
Only time will tell if Kemp's bat can do a good job at filling in for the two-time National League MVP. Harper's absence still leaves big shoes to fill, even if his current performance is far from his best, having tallied nine HRs, 34 RBIs, 35 walks, and eight stolen bases while slashing .258/.368/.446 in 57 games (213 ABs) so far.
The Phillies are desperate for any sort of help that will get them back on track and into the World Series conversation. Kemp making an immediate impact might not only spark a turnaround, but keep him in Philadelphia's big-league plans for the rest of the 2025 campaign (or at least until Harper returns.)