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Felix Reyes Called Up, Jhoan Duran to 15-Day IL
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Phillies announced five roster moves ahead of Saturday night’s game vs. the Atlanta Braves.
- Felix Reyes had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He will wear #29
- Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley
- RHP Jhoan Duran was placed on the 15-day IL (retro to 4/15) with a left oblique strain
- UTIL Otto Kemp was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley
- OF Pedro Leon was released
Is this a desperation move? I wouldn’t fully call it that, because Felix Reyes won’t play every day. But it was a move that was needed. The Phillies currently have the worst run differential in baseball. They need some sort of spark to this offense right now, and Otto Kemp wasn’t getting the job done against lefties.
Kemp was just 2 for 20 to start the season with 0 XBH, 1 BB, and 9 strikeouts. The Phillies are sending the 26-year-old down to get everyday reps in Triple-A. On the other hand, Reyes, 25, is mashing the ball. He’s hitting .333 with 6 HRs, 15 RBIs, and a .999 OPS in 81 ABs in Triple-A. Reyes struggles in the field, but his bat has been too good not to promote.
Jhoan Duran will hit the IL and add to a long list of injured Phillies relievers to start 2026. Duran joins Jonathan Bowlan and Zach Pop, two relievers who were on the Opening Day roster, to hit the IL out of the bullpen just 19 games into the season.
With left-handed pitcher Chris Sale on the mound for Atlanta on Saturday night, you could see Reyes in the lineup for his Major League Debut. Don’t rule out the possibility of Kyle Schwarber in left field and Reyes at DH. Reyes has struggled in the field, but with the way the Phillies have looked at the plate, they just need some sort of thump in their lineup.
Luke Arcaini covers the Phillies for Crossing Broad. The wave is the worst thing is sports. Follow him on Twitter @ArcainiLuke