Home / Sports / Berroa's Speed Joins Phillies Bench as Kemp Departs
Berroa's Speed Joins Phillies Bench as Kemp Departs
30 May
Summary
- Otto Kemp was optioned to Lehigh Valley, replaced by Steward Berroa.
- Berroa brings speed to the Phillies' bench and outfield versatility.
- Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list, with Nolan Hoffman recalled.
The Philadelphia Phillies announced a roster adjustment on Friday, May 30, 2026, prior to their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Outfielder Otto Kemp was optioned to the team's Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley. He was replaced by Steward Berroa, whom the Phillies acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8, 2026, in exchange for cash considerations.
Kemp had not appeared in a game since May 20, 2026, and had seen his opportunities diminish with Edmundo Sosa playing more left field and Bryson Stott solidifying the second base position. Kemp struggled in limited play, with his last major league hit recorded on April 8, 2026.
Berroa, a switch-hitter, is expected to provide speed on the bases. The 26-year-old has stolen nine bases in 38 games for Lehigh Valley this season, posting a .250/.361/.400 slash line. He has experience playing all three outfield positions in his 30 career major league games with the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers.
In a separate move, pitcher Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list on Friday, May 30, 2026. Right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A to fill Nola's spot. Nola, whose ERA is 5.72 this season, was not scheduled to start during the Dodgers series. Players may remain on the paternity list for up to three games.
