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Phillies Expected to Make Outfield Change Amid Bryce Harper's Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have made their way back and have tied the New York Mets atop the National League East. They've done so without their superstar first baseman, Bryce Harper. Once he returns, the team should be off and running. Though his return does present an interesting challenge.

With Otto Kemp proving to be a solid hitter for the Phillies in the Major Leagues, the team is looking for ways to keep him in the lineup consistently. One of the ways that the Phillies could keep him in the lineup is by shaking things up in the outfield, specifically left field.

In an article from Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, the Phillies are expected to make a move once Harper returns from the injured list. They plan to have Kemp and Max Kepler split time in left field in a platoon. Kepler against right-handed pitchers, and Kemp against lefties.

"But Otto Kemp," Varnes writes. "Who saw limited time in left field in Triple A, could now 'possibly' play alongside Kepler in a strict platoon, Thomson said."

This update from Thomson, with the plan to platoon Kepler and Kemp in left field, comes on the heels of demoting Weston Wilson to Triple-A and calling up Buddy Kennedy.

Kennedy will provide infield depth, with the ability to play first base. Wilson previously handled the left field platoon duties, but now Kemp is expected to take over that role.

Kemp, meanwhile, can split time in left field with Kepler, with the hope that the platoon will help improve the Phillies' left field spot, which has been one of the worst in recent years.

With Kepler's 1.006 OPS since June 9th and Kemp's .282 batting average since June 7th, the team wants to use both in the lineup. This decision, in theory, would elevate the team's offense, as they would have the platoon advantage against lefties and righties.

With Harper's spot on the field being at first base, Kemp would have nowhere to play. But, with his prior experience in left field, and the team's desire to get him into the lineup, Kemp and Kepler are expected to platoon in left field once Harper returns.

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

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