The Philadelphia Phillies have struggled to get meaningful contributions from their bench throughout the 2026 campaign.
In an effort to improve their production against left-handed pitching, the club has cycled through several players in reserve roles, but none have provided a consistent spark. As a result, the Phillies have opted for another roster adjustment, making changes to their bench composition once again.
Utility player Otto Kemp, who recently returned to the major league roster after beginning the season with the team and later being sent to Triple-A, has been optioned back to Lehigh Valley. Kemp’s second opportunity in the majors produced limited results, prompting the organization to prioritize regular playing time for the young player in the minors.
Replacing him is outfielder Steward Berroa, a switch-hitter whom the Phillies acquired via waiver claim from the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8. The move gives interim manager Don Mattingly a player with a different skill set, particularly one that can provide value in late-game situations.
Berroa has appeared in 30 major league games during stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays. While his offensive numbers have been modest, he has demonstrated a strong ability to work counts and draw walks despite a high strikeout rate. However, the Phillies are not expecting him to transform their offense. Instead, they view him as a player who can contribute through speed, defensive versatility, and energy off the bench.
Most of Berroa’s playing time in the minors this season has come in center field, making him a useful option as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner. Those are areas where Philadelphia lacked flexibility, and the coaching staff believes his presence can help in close games.
Kemp, meanwhile, found himself with very few opportunities. Over the previous 10 days, he recorded only five at-bats, highlighting the difficulty of finding consistent playing time for him.
A similar situation unfolded earlier this season with Felix Reyes, who was demoted when Kemp was recalled. Neither player has firmly established himself against major league pitching, leading to reduced roles.
Mattingly acknowledged that finding at-bats for bench players can be challenging and indicated that the club did not want to force opportunities simply for the sake of playing time.
Ultimately, the Phillies believe Berroa is a better fit for the current roster structure. If a reserve player is unlikely to receive regular starts, the team prefers someone who can impact games with speed, defense, and versatility, qualities that Berroa brings to the bench.
