These strategic moves underscore the Phillies’ commitment to strengthening their lineup and maintaining competitiveness in the league. With the addition of Kepler’s experience and Kemp’s breakout potential, the team is poised for a promising season ahead.
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move to bolster their offensive lineup by signing outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year, \$10 million contract. Kepler, 32, brings a wealth of experience after spending his entire MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. Known for his power-hitting capabilities, Kepler has accumulated 161 home runs and 508 RBIs over 1,072 games. His best season came in 2019 when he hit 36 homers and drove in 90 runs. The Phillies are hopeful that Kepler’s consistent bat and veteran presence will enhance their outfield depth and offensive production. ([reuters.com][1])
In addition to Kepler’s acquisition, the Phillies have witnessed the emergence of Otto Kemp, a 25-year-old rookie who made a remarkable debut by leading the team to a 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Chicago Cubs. Despite being undrafted,
Kemp showcased his talent with a three-hit performance, including a crucial bunt single that set up the game-winning play. His versatility and clutch performance have added depth to the Phillies’ roster. ([en.wikipedia.org][2], [timesofindia.indiatimes.com][3])
These strategic moves underscore the Phillies’ commitment to strengthening their lineup and maintaining competitiveness in the league. With the addition of Kepler’s experience and Kemp’s breakout potential, the team is poised for a promising season ahead.
Jesus Luzardo allowed one run in six innings as the Philadelphia Phillies topped the visiting Chicago Cubs 7-2 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game set.
After allowing 20 earned runs over his last two starts, Luzardo (6-2) returned to form in this one. The talented left-hander struck out 10 and did not walk a batter, allowing five hits and throwing 70 of 99 pitches for strikes.
Alec Bohm homered and drove in four runs for Philadelphia, which had lost 10 of its previous 12 games. Kyle Schwarber also homered for the hosts, while Trea Turner recorded two hits and scored twice.
Carson Kelly and Nico Hoerner each had two hits for Chicago, which has dropped three of its last four contests. The Cubs struck out 11 times on the day, including two apiece by Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki and Matt Shaw.
The Phillies jumped on Ben Brown (3-5) for three runs in the first inning.
Turner and Schwarber reached to begin the frame before a double-steal set up Bohm’s RBI groundout. Two batters later, Max Kepler drove a double into the gap to plate Schwarber. J.T. Realmuto then drilled a single off the glove of Hoerner near second base, scoring another run.
In the bottom of the second, Luzardo allowed back-to-back baserunners to begin the inning before striking out three straight hitters. He struck out two more batters in the third.
Schwarber’s leadoff homer in the third made it 4-0 and Bohm’s two-run single in the fourth increased the lead to 6-1.
Bohm opened the seventh with a solo shot against Genesis Cabrera — his first home run this month.
Kyle Tucker’s RBI groundout in the eighth capped the scoring.
Max Lazar worked the seventh and eighth innings for Philadelphia before Michael Mercado logged the ninth.
Brown gave up six runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out five for Chicago, which concluded its road trip with a 4-5 record.
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