Phillies' Prospect Otto Kemp Makes MLB Debut Following Harper Injury

Otto Kemp, a 25-year-old infielder who rose from undrafted Division II prospect to major leaguer, made his MLB debut for the Phillies after Bryce Harper was placed on the injured list with a recurring wrist injury. Kemp was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he had posted an impressive 1.010 OPS and led the International League with 14 home runs and 55 RBI. He has started at third base in both games since his promotion but is still seeking his first MLB hit, having gone 0-for-5 with three strikeouts and a walk. Kemp's call-up was a surprise to him, but his family, including his wife and parents, quickly traveled to Pittsburgh to support him at his debut. While Kemp is not expected to replace Harper's production, he is seen as a potential spark for the Phillies' offense during Harper's absence. He is expected to play regularly at third base, with Alec Bohm shifting to first, and may need to compete with Edmundo Sosa for playing time.