How Otto Kemp went from undrafted to Philadelphia Phillies game-winner in 11th inning
How Otto Kemp went from undrafted to Philadelphia Phillies game-winner in 11th inning (Image Source: Getty Images)
Otto Kemp's impressive major league debut highlights that undrafted players can make a difference when needed, since the 25-year-old rookie's three-hit contest helped the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in extra time at Citizens Bank Park.
A Point Loma Nazarene University graduate who had not been drafted and became a free agent last year played very well in his home debut, collecting three hits and making a key bunt single that helped Brandon Marsh win the game with his walk-off. The win ended a five-game losing streak and demonstrated how well the team's farm system is working.
Otto Kemp's clutch performance validates the Philadelphia Phillies' player development system
Otto Kemp's first game with the Philadelphia Phillies showed that the team was ready to give a chance to less-noticed players.
Rob Thomson, the manager, had already noticed Kemp's good batting average and strong approach to the game when he was playing for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Jacob Smith's first major league hit came off Cubs starter Matthew Boyd in the fifth inning, and he aims to remember the moment by framing the ball. Otto Kemp made his way to third base on Boyd's missing throw, and then scored after Weston Wilson got an RBI single, making it 2-1 for the Philadelphia team.
Otto Kemp stood out mainly because he could perform effectively in stressful situations. In the 2021 St. Cloud Rox summer baseball game, Kemp made his last attempt at a bunt, and now, in the 11th inning, he used a bunt to set up the rally that won the game.
How Otto Kemp's versatility strengthens Philadelphia Phillies' roster depth
Otto Kemp's ability to play in multiple spots will greatly benefit the Philadelphia Phillies in the future. While playing in Triple-A, he was the starting third baseman in 33 games, appeared in 17 games at both first and second base, and in seven games in the outfield.
Rob Thomson said Otto Kemp might play both first base and the outfield as he begins his major league career. Now that Bryce Harper is out with wrist problems, Kemp gets a chance to help the team right away. The Phillies believe Otto Kemp can handle various playing roles and still continue his offensive success. His 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 58 games in Triple-A showed that he can handle both power plays and key hitting situations.
The significant emotions of Otto Kemp's arrival were clear as everyone in the family went the extra mile to witness it. His wife brought their dog and drove up from North Carolina, while his parents took a red-eye flight from California also to attend their son's first game at Citizens Bank Park.
NBC Sports Philadelphia and MLB.TV will be showing the games, so fans can watch Otto Kemp as he follows up on his great debut.
Also Read:
Why MLB dropped ESPN and what it means for baseball fans in 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies' victory over the Chicago Cubs demonstrated that sometimes the most impactful stories come from unexpected sources. Otto Kemp's journey from undrafted prospect to game-changing rookie exemplifies the determination and skill development that separates major league players from the rest, while his immediate impact suggests the Philadelphia Phillies have found another valuable piece for their championship puzzle.
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How Otto Kemp went from undrafted to Philadelphia Phillies game-winner in 11th inning
How Otto Kemp went from undrafted to Philadelphia Phillies game-winner in 11th inning (Image Source: Getty Images) Otto Kemp's impressive major league debut highlights that undrafted players can make a difference when needed, since the 25-year-old rookie's three-hit contest helped the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in extra time at Citizens Bank Park. A Point Loma Nazarene University graduate who had not been drafted and became a free agent last year played very well in his home debut, collecting three hits and making a key bunt single that helped Brandon Marsh win the game with his walk-off. The win ended a five-game losing streak and demonstrated how well the team's farm system is working. Otto Kemp's clutch performance validates the Philadelphia Phillies' player development system Otto Kemp's first game with the Philadelphia Phillies showed that the team was ready to give a chance to less-noticed players. Rob Thomson, the manager, had already noticed Kemp's good batting average and strong approach to the game when he was playing for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Jacob Smith's first major league hit came off Cubs starter Matthew Boyd in the fifth inning, and he aims to remember the moment by framing the ball. Otto Kemp made his way to third base on Boyd's missing throw, and then scored after Weston Wilson got an RBI single, making it 2-1 for the Philadelphia team. Otto Kemp stood out mainly because he could perform effectively in stressful situations. In the 2021 St. Cloud Rox summer baseball game, Kemp made his last attempt at a bunt, and now, in the 11th inning, he used a bunt to set up the rally that won the game. How Otto Kemp's versatility strengthens Philadelphia Phillies' roster depth Otto Kemp's ability to play in multiple spots will greatly benefit the Philadelphia Phillies in the future. While playing in Triple-A, he was the starting third baseman in 33 games, appeared in 17 games at both first and second base, and in seven games in the outfield. Rob Thomson said Otto Kemp might play both first base and the outfield as he begins his major league career. Now that Bryce Harper is out with wrist problems, Kemp gets a chance to help the team right away. The Phillies believe Otto Kemp can handle various playing roles and still continue his offensive success. His 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 58 games in Triple-A showed that he can handle both power plays and key hitting situations. The significant emotions of Otto Kemp's arrival were clear as everyone in the family went the extra mile to witness it. His wife brought their dog and drove up from North Carolina, while his parents took a red-eye flight from California also to attend their son's first game at Citizens Bank Park. NBC Sports Philadelphia and will be showing the games, so fans can watch Otto Kemp as he follows up on his great debut. Also Read: Why MLB dropped ESPN and what it means for baseball fans in 2025 The Philadelphia Phillies' victory over the Chicago Cubs demonstrated that sometimes the most impactful stories come from unexpected sources. Otto Kemp's journey from undrafted prospect to game-changing rookie exemplifies the determination and skill development that separates major league players from the rest, while his immediate impact suggests the Philadelphia Phillies have found another valuable piece for their championship puzzle.
