Orion Kerkering
22-Year-Old
15-Day IL
Injury Forearm
Est. Return 4/9/2024
2024 Stats
W-L
0-0
ERA
0.00
WHIP
0.00
K
0
SV
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
2024 Fantasy Outlook
A fifth-round pick of the Phillies in 2022, Kerkering opened last season in the minors with the team's Single-A affiliate. He ended 2023 pitching high-leverage innings for Philadelphia in the NLCS, as the 22-year-old right-hander was simply too dominant for the minors. Kerkering posted a remarkable 1.51 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 79:12 K:BB ratio over 53.2 innings while advancing through four levels. The South Florida alum boasts one of the most unique pitches in the game - an 86 mph sweeping slider with 18.6 inches of horizontal break that he threw 85% of the time. The average velocity of a sweeper or slider with 17-plus inches of horizontal break is a mere 80.6 mph, putting Kerkering's pitch on another level. Not to mention, his sinker approached triple digits, topping out at 98.8 mph during the playoffs. It's clear Kerkering has the stuff of a future closer, possibly as early as 2024, but his control is likely to impact whether or not that occurs this season. Read Past Outlooks
Officially hits IL
The Phillies placed Kerkering (illness) on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm strain.
ANALYSIS
Though Philadelphia is officially attributing Kerkering's absence to begin the season to an arm injury, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com relays that the hard-throwing reliever's main focus is building back up from the case of the flu that kept him from pitching in any Grapefruit League games after March 1. Manager Rob Thomson told Zolecki that Kerkering is feeling "fine" after throwing one inning Wednesday in a simulated game at Phillies camp in Florida, with the skipper noting that the right-hander's fastball touched 98 miles per hour. Kerkering looks as though he should be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment shortly, making him a candidate to return from the IL when first eligible April 9.
Though Philadelphia is officially attributing Kerkering's absence to begin the season to an arm injury, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com relays that the hard-throwing reliever's main focus is building back up from the case of the flu that kept him from pitching in any Grapefruit League games after March 1. Manager Rob Thomson told Zolecki that Kerkering is feeling "fine" after throwing one inning Wednesday in a simulated game at Phillies camp in Florida, with the skipper noting that the right-hander's fastball touched 98 miles per hour. Kerkering looks as though he should be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment shortly, making him a candidate to return from the IL when first eligible April 9.
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2023
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Chance to close in 2024?
Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer believes Kerkering could close for the Phillies in 2024 if the club doesn't make a signing late in the offseason.
ANALYSIS
The 22-year-old made his MLB debut late last season and gave up three earned runs over 8.1 frames, including the playoffs. Kerkering is one Philadelphia's top prospects, and he certainly showcased his potential with a 1.51 ERA across four minor-league levels in 2023. The right-hander made just 21 appearances at Double-A and had a single outing at Triple-A before being called up by the Phillies, so he'll likely need to prove himself early in 2024 before potentially receiving consistent ninth-inning opportunities. Jose Alvarado appears poised to begin the campaign with the role.
The 22-year-old made his MLB debut late last season and gave up three earned runs over 8.1 frames, including the playoffs. Kerkering is one Philadelphia's top prospects, and he certainly showcased his potential with a 1.51 ERA across four minor-league levels in 2023. The right-hander made just 21 appearances at Double-A and had a single outing at Triple-A before being called up by the Phillies, so he'll likely need to prove himself early in 2024 before potentially receiving consistent ninth-inning opportunities. Jose Alvarado appears poised to begin the campaign with the role.
More Fantasy News
Will begin season on IL
Manager Rob Thomson said Saturday that Kerkering (illness) will begin the regular season on the 15-day injured list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Still rebuilding strength after flu
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday that Kerkering is still rebuilding his strength after a bout with the flu and might not be ready for Opening Day, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Gets call to majors
The Phillies selected Kerkering from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Philly bound as fifth-round pick
The Phillies have selected Kerkering with the 152nd overall pick in the 2022 first-year player draft.
ANALYSIS
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