Roster Moves: Otto Kemp gets the call to The Show as Bryce Harper hits 10-Day IL

Tough…and exciting news for the Phillies on Saturday. While Bryce Harper is officially headed to the 10-Day Injured List, Otto Kemp’s contract has been selected to take his spot on the Phillies’ roster.

The team placed Harper on the 10-day IL with right wrist inflammation. The move is retroactive to Friday, which explains why Harper wasn’t in the lineup to open the series in Pittsburgh.

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Rob Thomson told reporters that Harper’s wrist had been an issue for a while, but it flared up more than usual when they got to PNC Park. Originally, it sounded like Harper might just be day-to-day, but now he lands on the IL.

With Harper out, the Phillies called up Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Kemp was absolutely raking in Triple-A, hitting .313 with a .416 OBP and a .594 slugging percentage. He’s got 19 doubles and 14 homers in 269 plate appearances this season.

Otto Kemp went undrafted in the MLB Draft out of Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego. He likely would have been drafted before but the MLB Draft is no longer 40 round as it once was.

Now, Kemp will make his MLB debut for the Phillies tonight as he fills in for Bryce Harper. pic.twitter.com/RiQsXmmaeT

— Shaun Nestor (@shaun_nestor) June 7, 2025

He’s bounced around defensively, mostly playing third base for the IronPigs — but he’s also seen time at second, first, and even started getting some reps in left field.

Otto Kemp’s glove isn’t exactly his calling card, but the bat gives them an intriguing option to mix in while Harper heals up.

Otto Kemp keeps raking and Justin Crawford obliterates lefties so it’s about time for the Phillies to wake up on lineup decisions

In a couple of other roster moves, the Phillies optioned pitcher Alan Rangel back to Lehigh Valley and recalled right-hander Daniel Robert to help out in the bullpen.

Bryce Harper hits 10-Day IL, Select Otto Kemp Contract

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

Now it’s wait and see with Harper. The hope is this wrist issue is minor, but obviously any time you lose one of your best bats, it’s a big blow — especially with the team already in the middle of a rough stretch.

In the meantime, Otto Kemp gets his shot, and the Phillies will try to patch things together.

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