Phillies Reportedly Set to Promote Flamethrower Kerkering

It has been a quick rise through the system for Phillies pitching prospect Orion Kerkering.   Just 15 months ago, the Phillies drafted the right-handed pitcher who throws three-digit fastballs.  He reportedly will rise to the Major Leagues today.

The Phillies drafted Kerkering in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.

Kerkering made his professional debut in rookie ball last season before getting a handful of appearances at Low-A Clearwater. Beginning the season once again at Low-A Clearwater, he allowed no runs in 9 relief appearances before he was promoted to High-A Jersey Shore. There, he made 18 appearances, striking out 27 in 20 1/3 innings.  That led to another promotion.

Kerkering made 21 appearances at Double-A Reading, going 0-1 with a 2.05 earned run average.  In 22 innings he struck out 33 and walked five.

Just Monday he was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  He made one appearance, allowing two hits and striking out one.  He did not allow a run.

The Phillies have struggled to get consistency out of the bullpen as of late.  Seranthony Dominguez, who was a reliable back-end arm last season, has struggled.  While still overall getting the job done, Craig Kimbrel has allowed more baserunners than usual.  Jose Alvarado has been up and down.

The Phillies have nine games left: six against the New York Mets and three against the Pittsburgh Pirates.    They have a five game lead over the first team not to win a Wild Card, and a three-game lead over the second team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.