Phillies Announce Roster Move Amid Four-Game Winning Streak

Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Phillies Announce Roster Move Amid Four-Game Winning Streak

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 18, 2026 3:14 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have turned things around since firing manager Rob Thomson after a 9-19 start to the 2026 MLB season. Under his replacement, Don Mattingly, the Phillies have gone 15-4 and sit at 24-23 through 47 games.

Philadelphia is now riding a four-game winning streak, beating the Boston Red Sox on Thursday and completing a three-game sweep over the Pittsburgh Pirates. They're now preparing for the first of a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.

Since the beginning of May, Philadelphia has produced one of the MLB's top offenses. Through the month, they rank sixth in batting average (.250) and tied for eighth in OPS (.730).

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly.David Butler II-Imagn Images

However, before taking on the Reds, the Phillies have opted to make a change to the 26-man roster. The team announced it has optioned infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and recalled infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp to take his place.

"Prior to tonight’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, the Phillies recalled INF/OF Otto Kemp from Lehigh Valley (AAA)," Philadelphia wrote via an X post. "To make room on the 26-man roster, INF/OF Felix Reyes was optioned to Lehigh Valley following yesterday’s game."

Prior to tonight’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, the Phillies recalled INF/OF Otto Kemp from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, INF/OF Felix Reyes was optioned to Lehigh Valley following yesterday’s game.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 18, 2026

Kemp began the 2026 season on the Phillies' 26-man roster. However, he struggled, posting a .282 OPS in 20 at-bats. After appearing in 10 games, he was sent down to AAA, where he had remained since.

The righty was able to turn it around with the IronPigs, though. In 84 at-bats, he's accumulated 22 hits, three home runs, 21 RBIs, 11 runs scored and eight walks. He's also slashed .262/.340/.452 with a .792 OPS.

Once again, preparing to suit up for the Phillies, Kemp has the opportunity to help extend the team's winning streak. Monday's first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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