Bryce Harper Hits IL with Wrist Injury; Otto Kemp Called Up to Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have placed All-Star first baseman Bryce Harper on the injured list with right wrist inflammation (retroactive to June 6) and have selected Otto Kemp's contract to take his place on the roster.

Otto Kemp Earns Call-Up to the Big Leagues

Kemp’s Impressive Triple-A Stats

Kemp will be making his Major League debut after slashing 313/.416/.594 with a 1.010 OPS, 49 runs, 14 home runs, and 55 RBI in 58 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

With Harper out, Alex Bohm will move from third to first base, with Kemp most likely handling third base.  Kemp can also play first and left field, but is not considered a solid defender at any position.

• Read More: Phillies need to give Otto Kemp a shot

Weston Wilson’s Struggles Open Door

This will be a big opportunity for Kemp to show the Phillies he can help the Major League team.  Weston Wilson has struggled as the right-handed bat in the left field platoon with Max Kelper, and he could help provide a spark to a lineup that is lacking power. Kemp currently leads the International League in home runs, runs & runs batted in, and he ranks second in OPS and third in slugging percentage.

The Phillies will face left-hander Andrew Heaney in Game 2 of the three-game series in Pittsburgh with the first pitch at 4:05. Heaney brings in some solid numbers, with a 3.39 ERA, 1.19 WHIP over 66 1/3 innings pitched this season.