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Phillies Find Reliable Late-Game Option in Postseason Push

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Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Orion Kerkering is becoming trustworthy in high-leverage situations. This season Kerkering has a 5-2 record with a 1.96 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 60 outings. Kerkering has also made two starts this season as an opener during bullpen games. In addition, Kerkering has a 2.27 FIP and a 1.01 WHIP this season. To add Kerkering has a 49 ERA- this season. Kerkering has 13 holds this season and is o-for-2 in save situations. This season Kerkering has a 0.31 HR/9 allowed rate as well as a 5.38 strikeout-to-walk rate. Kerkering missed part of March and early April due to an illness that came up during spring training. Overall Kerkering has excelled while fulfilling various roles for the Phillies this season.

Orion Kerkering is Becoming Trustworthy For the Phillies

Kerkering is tied with Matt Strahm for the 11th-best ERA among qualified National League relief pitchers this season and has the third-best FIP. In HR/9 allowed Kerkering has the sixth-best rate among qualified NL relief pitchers this season. Kerkering’s contributions have significantly impacted the Phillies’ win probability, with a 1.26 WPA this season. Kerkering has taken a significant step forward in his pitch execution this season, particularly with his slider and sinker. The slider, which he’s refined since his limited 2023 cameo, has been especially devastating, holding opposing batters to a .555 OPS and 64 wRC+ over 556 chances. Meanwhile, his sinker has also proven effective, stifling hitters to a .510 OPS and 55 wRC+ in 149 opportunities.

By leveraging these two pitches, Kerkering has established a formidable arsenal that’s fueled his breakout season.

Great Start to September

Kerkering has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.95 FIP in eight September appearances. Furthermore Kerkering has a 0.52 WHIP along with a 10.0 strikeout-to-walk rate in September. Kerkering has a 75.0% left-on-base percentage in September as well. These performances should put Kerkering in line to get more high leverage appearances. In September, Orion Kerkering has stifled opposing batters to a .151 wOBA and .188 BABIP, yielding just three hits – all singles – across 7 2/3 innings. Kerkering has a strikeout in seven of his eight September appearances. The lone appearance without a strikeout came against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 3.

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Excellent Run Since Mid-August

August 15 was the last time Kerkering allowed an earned run. Kerkering has a 13 game scoreless streak going at the moment. Since August 15 Kerkering has a 0.00 ERA and a 1.02 FIP as well. Kerkering has a 0.54 WHIP and an 8.5o strikeout-to-walk rate during his scoreless streak. During that span Kerkering has a 85.7% left-on-base percentage. Expanding to since August 9 Kerkering has a 0.56 ERA and a 1.48 FIP in 16 games. Kerkering has a 14 ERA- and a 0.69 WHIP in that stretch. Additionally Kerkering has the has the sixth best ERA and ERA- since August 9 among qualified NL relief pitchers. Kerkering has a NL best among qualified relief pitchers 0.57 clutch rating since August 9. This shows that Kerkering can be trusted in high leverage.

Postseason Role for Kerkering

The Phillies’ bullpen enters the postseason with impressive depth, featuring five reliable options to close out games: Kerkering, Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, and Carlos Estévez. While Kerkering may not get save opportunities he has earned his way into the high leverage group. Kerkering will likely be in a setup role pitching in the seventh or eighth inning. However the way Phillies manager Rob Thomson uses the bullpen in October may set up a situation where Kerkering comes in to close out a game. Expect Hoffman and Estévez to primarily handle closing duties in October. 

Main Photo: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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