Orion Kerkering started the season in Low-A with Clearwater. Today the Phillies announced that their 7th rated prospect was being promoted to their active roster. Kerkering who was also named the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Year will also be postseason eligible. The Phillies have added more depth to their bullpen with their playoff push right around the corner.
Let's meet the newest member of the Phillies bullpen.
Kerkering was a 5th round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of South Florida. After beginning the year in Low-A he was quickly promoted to High-A Jersey Shore. After continuing to dominate in High-A, he was promoted to AA Reading where he spent a majority of the 2nd half of the season. After dominating AA, he was promoted to AAA just last week. After just 1 game with AAA Lehigh Valley, Kerkering was once again promoted, and this time to MLB.
The Phillies are adding one of their best overall prospects to their roster. Throughout the minor league season, Kerkering continued to dominate at each level. Typically, with promotions a player struggles to adjust. At each new stop, he only got better and better.
In 49 games in 2023 Kerkering is 4-1 with1.78 ERA, 14 saves, 86 strikeouts, and only 13 walks. Throughout the season his speed and velocity only got stronger and crisper. He made a strong case to make the Phillies in 2024, but with the playoffs soon, the club feels he can make an impact now.
With today's move, Yunior Marte was optioned down to AAA, and Drew Ellis was DFA'd. In other news the Phillies also promoted 2nd rated prospect Mick Abel to AAA and he will be the starting pitcher for the IronPigs tonight.
I do not believe we have seen a Phillie make this big of a jump in a season ever. From starting in the lowest level to making it to the MLB all in 1 season is remarkable. He has made an instant impact at each stop. The hard throwing right hander has a great control for the plate. With the Phillies seeing a lot of inconsistent pitching from the bullpen, Kerkering will look to add a giant boost with the team's playoff push!
A+ move by the Phillies.