Phillies Experiment with Otto Kemp in Left Field

Otto Kemp is stepping into uncharted territory as the Philadelphia Phillies prepare to deploy him in left field, a position he has only briefly occupied in his professional career. This decision comes as the team seeks to maximize his contributions in the lineup.

Scheduled for Sunday’s game against the Mets, Kemp's transition to the outfield marks a significant shift, especially since he has only faced a left-handed starter once since his call-up two weeks ago. The roster dynamics have shifted recently, with Buddy Kennedy joining the team after Weston Wilson was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Wilson's departure is noteworthy; he was the right-handed option the Phillies relied on against left-handed pitchers during the early season. With him now in the minors, the team is looking for alternatives to maintain offensive strength from the bench.

Kemp's limited experience in left field does not deter the Phillies from wanting to keep him active in the lineup. With Bryce Harper sidelined due to wrist inflammation, Kemp is expected to take on left field duties while Kennedy plays first base.

The upcoming challenge against Mets lefty David Peterson will serve as Kemp's first real test in this new role. Additionally, the Phillies will face two more left-handed starters during their road trip to Houston.

"I feel comfortable with him out there because I've seen him out there before," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson before Saturday's game. "He works diligently at it. During BP, he takes good routes and sees the ball off the bat very well."

Since transitioning from third base to first, Kemp has found his footing, starting nine consecutive games at first. His defensive skills were on display during Friday's victory over the Mets, where he executed a leaping catch and a diving stop that showcased his growing confidence.

"He's made some really nice plays," Thomson noted. "It's all about situational awareness for a guy moving to first base. He’s improving with ground balls and cutoff responsibilities. He’s an infielder and will throw accurately; it’s just about refining those situational skills."

Kemp's versatility is a valuable asset for the Phillies; he has played nine games at first base and four at third base in his brief major league tenure. While he has also seen time at second base, left field appears to be the next logical step to keep his bat in play.

The Phillies have previously experimented with various players in left field, including Max Kepler and Edmundo Sosa, but neither proved effective enough to secure a permanent spot. With Wilson needing time to regain his form in Lehigh Valley, Kemp represents the latest attempt to solidify this position.

Despite his limited experience in left field, the Phillies are optimistic about Kemp's potential impact, recognizing that his offensive capabilities are too valuable to overlook.