Buddy Kennedy Returns to the Majors, This Time With the Philadelphia Phillies
Buddy Kennedy, a Millville, New Jersey native, is returning to the major leagues, this time with the Philadelphia Phillies. After a successful stint with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the 25-year-old infielder is getting another shot at the big leagues, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Don Money, who played for the Phillies from 1968-1972. This call-up is a dream come true for Kennedy, who grew up a Phillies fan and feels a strong connection to the city.
Key Takeaways:
- Homecoming Story: Kennedy is fulfilling a lifelong dream by playing for his hometown team, the Phillies.
- Family Legacy: He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Don Money, a former Phillies player.
- Strong Performance: Kennedy has impressed at the Triple-A level, hitting .313 in 56 games with the IronPigs.
- Roster Expansion: The Phillies’ roster expansion on September 1st will create more opportunities for Kennedy to prove himself.
A Journey Through Baseball Organizations
Kennedy’s journey to the Phillies has been a long and winding one. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 and spent several years in their system before being designated for assignment last year. Since then, he has been claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers.
He made his major league debut on June 17, 2022, with the Diamondbacks, but only played a few games before being optioned back to the minors. He was traded to the Tigers in June 2023 and eventually got a second chance with the big league club, but his time was short-lived. Despite his struggles in Detroit, Kennedy has demonstrated resilience by consistently finding ways to improve his game.
A Fresh Start with the Phillies
The Phillies’ acquisition of Kennedy in June was a strategic move to bolster their infield depth. While his previous performance in the majors has been modest, his recent success with the IronPigs has earned him a new opportunity. The Phillies are hoping he can contribute in a meaningful way as they push for a playoff spot.
The Impact of Roster Expansion
The upcoming expansion of major league rosters from 26 to 28 players will be a crucial turning point for Kennedy. This change will give him a better chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn a permanent spot on the Phillies’ roster. While the team already has established players at the infield positions, Kennedy’s versatility and recent performance could make him a valuable asset coming off the bench.
Kennedy’s Legacy in Millville
Buddy Kennedy is the fifth Millville native to reach the major leagues, joining the likes of three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, Larry Milbourne, Andy Lapihuska, and Steve Yerkes. This accomplishment is a testament to the strong baseball tradition in Millville, and Kennedy’s return serves as a source of pride for the local community. He is an inspiration to young athletes in the area, showing that dreams can be achieved with dedication and perseverance.
What to Expect from Kennedy’s Return
It’s too early to say if Kennedy’s return to the majors will be a long-term success. He will have to perform consistently well to earn a spot on the Phillies’ roster beyond the September expansion. However, his recent performance and the team’s need for infield depth make this a promising opportunity for the young infielder. With the Phillies fighting for a playoff spot, Kennedy has a chance to make a real impact on the season and potentially solidify his place in the major leagues.
