On Saturday, the Phillies had to put first baseman Bryce Harper on the 10-day injured list due to right wrist inflammation. He missed five games last week after being hit on the elbow by a fastball from Spencer Strider. Harper returned to action Tuesday, but he did not play Friday due to the wrist injury that is unrelated to his elbow issue.
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
Manager Rob Thomson said the wrist issue is an existing issue that Harper has been playing with for a while, but it has recently gotten worse. Since they made it retroactive to Friday, he could return in just over a week. It isn’t expected to keep him out long-term, but his absence will definitely make an impact on the Phillies’ lineup.
Harper is hitting .258 in his 57 games this season with nine home runs and a .357 wOBA. His average is down significantly, but his hard-hit rate and barrel rate are consistent with his production from the last few seasons.
Without Harper, Alec Bohm could move over to first base more often, opening space for Edmundo Sosa to be in the lineup more often. Sosa has had some hot streaks and good production, but he has also gotten inconsistent playing time.
The team also called up Otto Kemp for his major league debut. The 25-year-old hit .313 in his 58 games at Lehigh Valley with 14 homers, 11 stolen bases and a .440 wOBA. Kemp is the team’s No. 24 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and he has played multiple infield positions for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs this season. He primarily played 3B, but his positional flexibility will give the Phillies lots of options around the infield. His 14 home runs led all players in the International League coming into play on Saturday, and he had a 45.3% hard-hit rate.
