The Philadelphia Phillies enjoyed an impressive win against one of Major League Baseball’s best teams on Wednesday, as starter Jesus Luzardo put some serious concerns behind him.
After giving up 20 runs in his last two starts combined, Luzardo held the hot-hitting Cubs to just one run across six innings. It was the kind of pitching performance that the Phillies need right now, as franchise slugger Bryce Harper suffered a harsh setback to a persistent wrist injury and was placed on the injured list.
In Harper’s place at first base on Wednesday was recently promoted prospect Otto Kemp. The 25-year-old logged a hit and a run in the win and the Phillies announced that he will be a big part of the team’s Harper replacement plan going forward.
“The plan is for Otto Kemp to play mostly first base moving forward,” according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. “Phillies want Alec Bohm back at third base. Kemp went through Bobby Dickerson Camp this week.”
Gelb was referring to Phillies infield coach Bobby Dickerson, who has been putting Kemp through his paces at first base. Kemp has more experience at third base in his minor-league career, but has played first as well. If the Phillies feel confident he can man that position with Harper out, that gives the team flexibility with Bohm and Edmundo Sosa, who deserves some at-bats as well.
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Ultimately, though, the team will want Harper back as soon as possible. When he does return, it’s likely that Kemp will be sent back to the minors. But if he continues to impress in his big-league stint, the Phillies could mull some more interesting options with their lineup.
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