Phillies Option Otto Kemp to Triple-A, Expected to Recall Steward Berroa Ahead of Dodgers Series

The Philadelphia Phillies are making a roster move ahead of their big three-game weekend series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shaking Up the Bench Ahead of the Dodgers Series

Otto Kemp, who appeared to be penciled in to at least a platoon role on the big league roster, was optioned to Triple-A on Friday. While the team has not yet made a corresponding move, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the team is expected to call up outfielder Steward Berroa to replace him.

Kemp has struggled with a lack of playing time, hitting .080 (2-for-25), striking out 10 times in 27 plate appearances.

Philadelphia acquired Berroa from the Brewers for cash consideration on April 8 after he was designated for assignment by Milwaukee.

Why the Phillies Are Swapping Otto Kemp for Steward Berroa

Berroa is hitting .250/.361/.400 with four home runs and 20 RBI for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He is primarily a centerfielder, but has played all three outfield positions during his nine professional seasons.

He has appeared in 30 Major League games.

The Tactical Shift: Prioritizing Outfield Defense and Lineup Flexibility

However, his presence shows more of a commitment to Edmundo Sosa playing left field as a right-handed bat, and adding more of a defensive-minded reserve outfielder, something Kemp and Felix Reyes were not.

Both Kemp and Reyes struggled at the plate, and neither got consistent at-bats, so the team appears to be looking for more defense in that bench role for the time being.

The Phillies have been sitting rookie Justin Crawford against left-handed pitching and using Edmundo Sosa in left field with Brandon Marsh in center.  Bringing up Berroa will allow them to use him in center and keep Marsh in left field as another option to using Sosa in the outfield.