When Bryce Harper returns from injury the Philadelphia Phillies will have a utility player role decision to make. Weston Wilson currently holds the fourth bench spot. Otto Kemp has been playing regularly since Harper went on the injured list. After initially playing third base, Kemp will be playing first base seemingly until Harper comes back. Kemp has primarily been playing third base for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. Alec Bohm played first base in the games where Kemp was at third. Bohm has since returned to the hot corner, with Kemp taking over at first base.
There is currently no timetable for when Harper will return from the injured list. He did travel with the team on their road trip, according to Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. They face the Miami Marlins from Monday through Thursday on the road. Since Harper was placed on the injured list, he has not attempted to swing a bat or throw. Kerr also noted that Harper still has a brace on the injured wrist. While he is eligible to be activated from the injured list, it does not appear he will be ready to play this week.
Phillies Approaching a Decision About Utility Role
Prospect Deserving Of A Call-Up
Kemp deserved a promotion even before Harper got injured. In the minors, Kemp has a .313/.416/.594 line along with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 58 games. He also has a 164 wRC+ and a .386 BABIP, along with a .441 wOBA and a 20.9% HR/FB rate at Triple-A. Kemp has a 0.37 BB/K rate in the minor leagues. Defensively, he has played first base, second base, third base, left field, shortstop, and right field this season shortstop. His seven starts in left field this year are very noteworthy given the Phillies’ 26-man roster construction and the utility role decision.
Offensive Performance Would Be An Upgrade
In eight major league games, Kemp has a .345/.387/.379 line with no home runs and four RBI, along with a 120 wRC+, a .476 BABIP, and a .345 wOBA. Since being called up to the majors, Kemp has a 0.13 BB/K rate. He recorded a .898 OPS and a 158 wRC+ during the Phillies’ six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays. Defensively, the Phillies should have Kemp play in the outfield before Harper returns. His being able to play a passable left field is needed to make this work. Wilson gets a majority of his appearances in left field against left-handed starting pitchers.
Wilson Could Use a Reset
Weston Wilson should be optioned to the minor leagues when Harper returns. This season, Wilson has a .194/.310/.278 line with one home run and four RBI in 22 games. He also has a 73 wRC+ and a .273 BABIP, along with a 0.46 BB/K rate and a 14.3% HR/FB rate. Wilson has a .467 OPS and a 44 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season. This is concerning when Wilson gets playing time in a platoon role where he primarily faces left-handed pitchers. Kemp would provide the Phillies with more offensive production from the utility role, which will probably factor into their decision.
Main Photo Credit: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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