Phillies Offense Sputters, Kepler Frustrated with Platoon Role Amid Team’s Struggles
The Philadelphia Phillies are still in a solid position in the National League standings, entering their series in Atlanta with a 47–34 record. But despite their strong overall performance, the team is coming off a rough stretch offensively. After being swept in a three-game set by the Houston Astros, scoring only one run total, concerns about their lineup are mounting. In June, the Phillies rank 25th in runs scored across Major League Baseball.
One of the players at the center of the offensive downturn is veteran outfielder Max Kepler. He’s struggled to find a rhythm at the plate, hitting just .167/.265/.350 over 68 plate appearances this month. His issues have been compounded by recent absences from the starting lineup.
Between June 22 and 25, Kepler sat out three consecutive games as the Phillies faced a string of left-handed starters. Manager Rob Thomson opted for right-handed bats in those matchups, sitting the left-handed-hitting Kepler to avoid unfavorable platoon splits. That decision didn’t sit well with the outfielder, who voiced his frustration publicly.
Speaking with Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Kepler said he was under the impression he’d be an everyday player when he signed a $10 million free-agent contract with Philadelphia. “I was told I was going to be the starting left fielder,” he emphasized again to reporters before Friday’s game in Atlanta. “That’s why I came here.”
Thomson responded to Kepler’s concerns by noting the veteran has started 60 of the team’s 81 games so far this season and was penciled in for his 61st start Friday, hitting fifth and playing left field against Braves righty Bryce Elder. While there’s no apparent rift between the two, Kepler’s comments make it clear he wants a larger role, even against lefties.
The reality, however, is that Kepler hasn’t done much to force the issue. He owns a career slash line of just .221/.291/.362 against left-handed pitching and has hit .222 with only one home run in 49 plate appearances versus southpaws this season. Unfortunately for him, the numbers aren’t much better against righties either. He came into Friday’s action with a .205/.307/.389 line against right-handed pitchers. Since the beginning of May, his overall output has dipped to .179/.270/.364.
It’s understandable why Thomson would seek offensive alternatives, especially with Kepler slumping. During his recent absences, Otto Kemp was shifted into left field from first base. That move opened up opportunities for utility men like Buddy Kennedy and Edmundo Sosa to enter the lineup.
Top Prospect Justin Crawford Could Be an Option
As Kepler’s performance stalls, internal pressure is mounting with outfield prospect Justin Crawford excelling in Triple-A. The 21-year-old, a former first-round pick and the son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford, is slashing .332/.408/.435 at the highest minor league level. Though he lacks power, Crawford brings elite speed and improved discipline at the plate, which has drawn praise from the Phillies front office—even as some outside evaluators question his high ground-ball tendencies.
Crawford’s 63% ground-ball rate is notably high—only veteran infielder José Iglesias has posted a higher figure in the majors this season among players with at least 100 plate appearances. Still, Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged Thursday that Crawford is “absolutely” under consideration for a call-up.
Trade Deadline Decisions Loom
With the July trade deadline approaching, the Phillies face several critical decisions. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has said the bullpen remains the top area of concern. That said, the lack of production from both corner outfield spots may force the team to reconsider its offensive depth.
In left field, Kepler has struggled. In right, Nick Castellanos has provided a capable bat but continues to be a defensive liability. If the Phillies want to add Crawford to the mix, they’d likely need to bench either Kepler or Castellanos. Crawford could play center field in theory, but Brandon Marsh has rebounded nicely at the plate since a slow start to the season and remains a defensive asset.
A call-up for Crawford isn’t without risk. With the Phillies locked in a tight NL East race against the surging Mets, there’s little margin for error. If Crawford doesn’t adjust quickly to big-league pitching, it could set the team back at a pivotal time.
Harper Nearing Return
Help is on the horizon, though. Star slugger Bryce Harper could return to the lineup as soon as next week. Out since June 6 with a wrist injury, Harper took batting practice at Truist Park on Friday and is scheduled to face a pair of minor league pitchers in live batting sessions on Saturday. A return next week is “definitely in play,” Harper told reporters.
His return would be a huge boost to the Phillies lineup and may also affect how they align defensively. Otto Kemp, who has filled in at first base in Harper’s absence, could see more time in the outfield—particularly if Kepler continues to struggle. Kemp has just 17 games of MLB experience, but he posted an impressive .313/.416/.594 line at Triple-A and hit his first big league home run off Elder on Friday.
The Bottom Line
The Phillies remain firmly in the playoff picture, but their offensive inconsistencies have become a growing concern. Max Kepler’s frustration over his role is understandable—but so is Thomson’s desire to maximize lineup production in critical matchups. With young talent like Justin Crawford knocking on the door and Bryce Harper set to return, Philadelphia may be approaching a crossroads in its outfield strategy.
Whether the solution comes from within or via trade remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking. The team has little time to waste as it tries to keep pace in a competitive National League race.
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