The Philadelphia Phillies recalled Steward Berroa from Triple‑A Lehigh Valley and optioned Otto Kemp to Lehigh Valley on Friday, a roster change made before the series opener against the Dodgers.
Berroa, acquired from the Brewers on April 8 for cash, started in center field Friday against Dodgers lefty Justin Wrobleski. He arrives with a.250/.361/.400 line, four homers and nine stolen bases in 38 games with the IronPigs, and has 30 career major‑league games between the Blue Jays and Brewers.
Manager Don Mattingly framed the move as a role decision rather than a straight performance demotion. "He plays all three outfield positions, usually a guy off the bench that could run, switch hitter, good defender," Mattingly said. "Just felt like the role fit him more than it did Otto." Mattingly also said, "I know he’s a good defender, and I’ve seen him a little bit in Toronto. He’s going to bring energy, and just for the lefty, thought I’d give him a shot."
Mattingly further noted Berroa's comfort in a part‑time role: "That’s where Steward’s a little different. He’s been in this role where you don’t play all the time," and added, "And he’s a guy that wants to play like everybody else, but he has also been in this role." He finished, "Really just give him a shot. He’s been good."
The other side of Friday’s transaction is Otto Kemp, who was sent to Lehigh Valley after not appearing in a game since May 20. Kemp was 2‑for‑25 in the majors this year, and the club said it wanted him back in Triple‑A to get more regular at‑bats. Kemp last recorded a major‑league hit on April 8.
That sequence creates an immediate friction point: Kemp had been with the big‑league club but was optioned so Berroa — described by Mattingly as a better bench fit — could take a roster spot. Mattingly summed the dilemma plainly: "It’s a tough role for a guy that’s young and needs to be playing to keep improving," and added, "As much as anything, probably a better role for him than Kemp."
Friday’s roster moves came alongside a separate pitching shuffle. Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list and Nolan Hoffman was recalled from Triple‑A. Nola was not scheduled to start during the Dodgers series after throwing six innings Tuesday in San Diego, and players can remain on the paternity list for up to three games — a ceiling that matters for roster planning.
The practical impact for Friday was clear: Berroa’s speed and switch‑hitting give the Phillies a late‑inning option and a lefty matchup starter against Wrobleski, while Kemp heads to Lehigh Valley for consistent reps. The unresolved question is how long Berroa will occupy a big‑league roster spot once Nola’s paternity absence ends and the club weighs Kemp’s need for daily at‑bats against the value of a multi‑position, switch‑hitting bench piece.
