LOS ANGELES — Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers, the Phillies made a swap on their bench.
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Otto Kemp was optioned to Lehigh Valley, and outfielder Steward Berroa, who the Phillies acquired from the Brewers on April 8 in exchange for cash, was recalled.
Kemp had not appeared in a game since May 20. With Edmundo Sosa playing more left field, and Bryson Stott assuming an everyday role at second base, opportunities for Kemp to get into the lineup dwindled. He struggled in limited action, and had not recorded a major league hit since April 8.
Berroa, a switch-hitter, also provides some speed. He has stolen nine bases in 38 games this year with Lehigh Valley. He has a .250/.361/.400 slash line with the IronPigs.
The 26-year-old has played 30 career major league games between the Blue Jays and Brewers and has played every outfield spot on defense.
Nola on the paternity list
Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list Friday, and right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman was recalled from triple A.
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Nola was not scheduled to start during the Dodgers series, after pitching six innings Tuesday against the Padres, posting a quality start in the win. Nola’s ERA this season is 5.72.
Players can remain on the paternity list for up to three games.
Extra bases
Jesús Luzardo (4-4, 4.38 ERA) is scheduled to start Saturday against Dodgers righty Roki Sasaki (3-3, 4.93).
The Phillies are desperate for right-handed hitting. Mike Trout bats right-handed. But Trout also has full no-trade rights and has never asked the Angels to move him. Joe Maddon, Trout’s manager for three years, joins “Phillies Extra” to answer the most important question: Why? And will this be the year that Trout asks out? Maddon also shares his thoughts on the Phillies’ managerial change, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and more. Watch here.
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Previous episodes: Rhys Hoskins | Terry Francona | Aaron Rowand | Hunter Pence | Paco Figueroa | Gage Wood | Scott Boras | Brian Barber | Aaron Nola | Justin Crawford
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