Scott Kingery returns to majors as part of series of roster moves by Phillies
Prior to opening a series at American Family Field in Milwaukee Tuesday evening, the Philadelphia Phillies announced a series of roster moves that will include former top prospect Scott Kingery returning to the major league level.
The Phillies have selected the contract of Kingery, meaning the 28-year-old is back on the 40-man roster. As part of his six-year/$24 million deal, Kingery is making $6 million in 2022 regardless of what level he plays at. But he had previously be outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after clearing waivers last June.
2021 turned into a lost season for Kingery, as he underwent season-ending right shoulder surgery in mid-July to repair a torn labrum. In 54 at-bats for the IronPigs in 2022, Kingery was slashing just .185/.297/.296 with one home run, six RBIs and 22 strikeouts.
Still, the infield depth of the Phillies is being tested. Jean Segura had surgery to repair a broken right finger last Friday, which will leave the Phillies without him for 10-12 weeks. And the Phillies also announced Tuesday that Johan Camargo has been placed on the 10-day injured list — retroactive to June 6 — with a right knee strain.
Elsewhere, outfielder Matt Vierling has also been recalled from Triple-A. Injuries to Odúbel Herrera and Mickey Moniak paved the way for Vierling to start in center field on Opening Day after a strong finish to the 2021 season. However, Vierling hit just .170 in 47 at-bats and was optioned to Triple-A last month. If you’re looking for reasons to be optimistic about Vierling, he had a 50% hard hit percentage before the Phillies optioned him, and did post an .806 OPS in 21 games for the IronPigs.
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler was also placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Wheeler last pitched in a win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, so his turn in the rotation isn’t due to come up until Friday, when the Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park to host the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s not immediately clear whether the reigning National League Pitcher of the Month will be back in time for that start.
The Phillies — winners of four consecutive games — will send Ranger Suárez to the mound Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, the 33-23 Brewers will counter with righty Jason Alexander, who allowed two earned runs over seven innings in his Major League Debut.
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