Story by
Phillies Make Roster Move Ahead of Dodgers Series Opener
- Story by
- Phillies Make Roster Move Ahead of Dodgers Series Opener
The Philadelphia Phillies made a roster move to their bench prior to the start of a key three game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers . The Phillies have not received lots of production from their bench to start the 2026 season and are going to try to switch things up. The Phillies have optioned utility player Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and are expected to add switch-hitting outfielder Steward Berroa to the big league roster.
The Phillies acquired Berroa from the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this season in exchange for cash considerations. The 26-year-old has slashed .250/.361/.400 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 38 games for Lehigh Valley this season. In his short stints in the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers , Berroa hit .167 with no home runs and one RBI in 30 games.
Advertisement
Berroa will likely not start many games for the big league organization, but he will look to make an impact with his speed and defense off of the bench. Most of his playing experience comes from center field.
He is a fairly aggressive baserunner, stealing 280 bases in 349 attempts throughout his minor league career. Accompanied with a strong arm and positive outfield play, Berroa should be able to receive playing time as a pinch runner or defensive replacement late in games.
Advertisement
As for Otto Kemp, he has struggled in his very limited playing time during the 2026 season. In 13 games, the 26-year-old is slashing .080/.148/.080, a far cry from his .709 OPS during the 2025 season.
Manager Don Mattingly has been unable to give players off the bench playing time. In the last ten days, Otto Kemp has just five at bats. A similar situation happened with Felix Reyes, where his lack of consistent play time likely led to the rough start of his big league career.
Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly (8), Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Philadelphia's farm system is one of the weaker systems in baseball, being extremely top- heavy, led by Aidan Miller. This is a big reason for a weak bench at the major league level, since the organization cannot fill holes with major league level players.
Advertisement
Despite their poor depth, the Phillies sit in second place in the National League East division behind the Atlanta Braves . They are coming off of a sweep of the San Diego Padres going into a rematch of the 2025 National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers .
That series opens tonight at 10:15 P.M. EST, available on Apple TV.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
