Phillies option Otto Kemp to Lehigh Valley and recall switch-hitting outfielder Steward Berroa
Kemp had not appeared in a game since May 20 and last recorded a major league hit on April 8. Berroa, whom the Phillies acquired from the Brewers in April, provides some speed on the bases.
LOS ANGELES — Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers, the Phillies made a swap on their bench.
Otto Kemp was optioned to Lehigh Valley, and outfielder Steward Berroa, who the Phillies acquired from the Brewers on April 8 in exchange for cash, was recalled.
Kemp had not appeared in a game since May 20. With Edmundo Sosa playing more left field and Bryson Stott assuming an everyday role at second base, opportunities for Kemp to get into the lineup dwindled. He struggled in limited action and had not recorded a major league hit since April 8. Kemp is 2-for-25 in the majors this year.
Interim manager Don Mattingly said he wants Kemp to get more regular at-bats in Lehigh Valley, where he will continue play both the infield and outfield.
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“It’s a tough role for a guy that’s young and needs to be playing to keep improving,” Mattingly said.
Berroa is a switch-hitter and also provides some speed. He has stolen nine bases in 38 games this year with Lehigh Valley. He has a .250/.361/.400 slash line and has hit four homers with the IronPigs.
“As much as anything, probably a better role for him than Kemp,” Mattingly said. “He plays all three outfield positions, usually a guy off the bench that could run, switch hitter, good defender. Just felt like the role fit him more than it did Otto.”
At 26, Berroa also is young, but he has experience in this role in previous major league stops. He has played 30 major league games between the Blue Jays and Brewers. Berroa coincided with Mattingly on the Blue Jays in 2024, when Mattingly served as the bench coach.
“That’s where Steward’s a little different. He’s been in this role where you don’t play all the time,” Mattingly said. “And he’s a guy that wants to play like everybody else, but he has also been in this role.”
Berroa started in center field Friday against Dodgers lefty Justin Wrobleski. Justin Crawford got the day off.
“Really just give him a shot. He’s been good,” Mattingly said. “I know he’s a good defender, and I’ve seen him a little bit in Toronto. He’s going to bring energy, and just for the lefty, thought I’d give him a shot.”
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Nola on the paternity list
Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list Friday, and right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman was recalled from triple A.
Nola was not scheduled to start during the Dodgers series, after pitching six innings Tuesday against the Padres and posting a quality start in the win. Nola’s ERA this season is 5.72.
Players can remain on the paternity list for up to three games.
Jesús Luzardo is scheduled to start Saturday, and Andrew Painter will start Sunday. After Thursday’s off day, the Phillies swapped Painter with Luzardo in the rotation to give the rookie extra rest.
Mattingly said he expects Nola to make his next scheduled start, which is currently lined up for Tuesday’s series opener against the Padres at Citizens Bank Park.
Extra bases
Brandon Marsh was back in the lineup Friday after missing the series finale in San Diego with a sprained right middle finger. Mattingly said Marsh was fine. … Luzardo (4-4, 4.38 ERA) is scheduled to start Saturday against Dodgers righty Roki Sasaki (3-3, 4.93).
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