The Philadelphia Phillies officially placed Bryce Harper on the 10-day injured list Saturday with right wrist inflammation, a significant setback for a team already battling inconsistency at the plate.

Harper, a two-time National League Most Valuable Player, had been dealing with wrist soreness for several weeks and was recently hit on the elbow by a fastball from Spencer Strider. With the injury now confirmed, the Harper setback forces Philadelphia into a critical lineup shuffle.

Major League Baseball announced the roster move in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter breaking the alarming news on the platform.

“The Phillies have placed Bryce Harper on the 10-day IL with right wrist inflammation,” MLB’s account posted.

With Harper sidelined, the club promoted 25-year-old Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The infielder and outfielder is expected to make his major league debut and could be a much-needed spark for a team that has dropped seven of its last eight games.

Kemp had been slashing .317 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs at the Triple-A level and was named International League Player of the Month in April. The rookie signed with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has steadily climbed the organizational ladder.

Article Continues Below
More Phillies News
Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto (10) throws to first against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park
Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto exits game after taking hit in most painful place possibleQuinn Allen ·
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Mick Abel (40) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning.
Phillies’ Mick Abel makes MLB history in second startJosh Davis ·
Pete Fairbanks photoshopped in Phillies jersey.
Phillies’ perfect trade offer for Rays’ star relieverBailey Bassett ·
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre.
Bryce Harper makes injury confession after HR in returnQuinn Allen ·
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) celebrates hitting a two run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre.
Trea Turner doubles down with second HR vs. Blue JaysBrayden Haena ·
A Major League Baseball sits on the turf before a game between the Athletics and San Francisco Giants the at Oracle Park.
MLB rumors: Yankees, Phillies named best trade fits for Rays starsBenjamin Adducchio ·

The Phillies, who recently fell behind the New York Mets in the National League East standings, will likely turn to Alec Bohm at first base to fill Harper’s spot. Edmundo Sosa is expected to take over at third. Kemp could be used in a utility role, offering flexibility in both the infield and outfield.

Harper, in his third season playing primarily at first base, had been batting .258 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs through 57 games before the injury. His absence leaves a major hole not only in the heart of the batting order, but also in the clubhouse leadership core.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson now faces a new challenge in maintaining offensive rhythm without his top slugger. Harper’s injuries have been a recurring theme in recent seasons, but this latest development comes at a particularly bad time.

Philadelphia still remains in the middle of the National League playoff race, but without their star, a greater burden falls on the club’s young talent. For Kemp, the opportunity to make an impact is here. For Philly, the pressure is on.