The Philadelphia Phillies made a wave of roster changes on April 18. Right-hander Jhoan Duran was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, while Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The club also optioned Otto Kemp to Triple-A after a slow start, and added Felix Reyes to the 40-man roster, calling him up in the process. To make room, Pedro León was released. Despite the shuffle, the Phillies’ 40-man roster remains at full capacity.
Kemp has struggled badly at the plate, posting a .100/.182/.100 slash line with no home runs or RBIs across 10 games. His advanced metrics have been just as concerning, including a -15 wRC+, .182 BABIP, and a 0.11 BB/K ratio. Defensively, he’s also been a liability in left field, recording -3 DRS, -3 OAA, and -3 FRV. Sending him down should allow him to get more consistent reps, while Reyes now gets an opportunity to prove himself in the majors. Kemp had limited experience in left field entering the season, with just 111 MLB innings and fewer than 190 total professional innings at the position, despite serving as a right-handed platoon partner for Brandon Marsh.
Reyes, meanwhile, has been on fire in Triple-A, slashing .333/.345/.654 with six home runs and 15 RBIs in 18 games. He’s also posted a 156 wRC+ and .356 BABIP, along with a 0.12 BB/K rate. Defensively, he’s still developing in left field but brings versatility, having also appeared at first base and designated hitter. With 350 minor league innings in left, he’s expected to slot into a platoon role with Marsh. His splits have been strong as well, with an .850 OPS against lefties and an impressive 1.048 OPS against right-handers.
The bullpen, which has been a bright spot early on, now faces a challenge with Duran sidelined. He had been dominant, going 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, five saves, a 0.75 FIP, and an 8.00 K/BB ratio in seven appearances. In his absence, Brad Keller and José Alvarado are expected to take on most of the closing duties.
Johnson’s return to the majors may be brief. He struggled in his lone outing this season, posting a 16.20 ERA, 3.60 WHIP, 7.35 FIP, and a 0.50 K/BB ratio. With Zack Wheeler nearing a return, Johnson could soon head back to the minors. Notably, Duran’s injured list stint is retroactive to April 15.
