The Philadelphia Phillies had a bit of a shaky start to the season, but they’re still a great team, and that’s especially the case in the bullpen.
Jhoan Duran is one of the best closers, while Brad Keller and Jose Alvarado are some great set-up men. And that group of set-up relievers is getting a bit better this offseason.
As Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports, the Phillies are optioning a funky lefty reliever to activate Orion Kerkering from the injured list to join the bullpen for the first time after his NLDS blunder against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Phillies option funky lefty, activate Orion Kerkering
“The Phillies optioned LHP Kyle Backhus after Monday night’s game,” Zolecki reports, “RHP Orion Kerkering will be activated from the IL today.”
Backhus, the funky lefty reliever with some intriguing potential thanks to his arm angle, posted a 9.00 ERA in four outings forthe Phillies.
But those all came in his debut on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers, when he allowed three runs in 0.1 innings of work. He struck out four and gave up just one hit in his next three outings, totaling 2.2 innings pitched.
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Taking his place on the active roster is Kerkering, the 25-year-old righty reliever who posted a 3.30 ERA in 69 games last season for the Phillies.
In 2024, Kerkering had a very impressive 2.29 ERA in 64 games. He’s struggled a bit in the postseason, with his 6.75 ERA in four games last year, along with his series-losing error, making for a brutal way to close 2025 for Kerkering.
However, the Phillies righty is still a good reliever, and with Keller, Alvarado, Duran, and a few others in the bullpen, Kerkering’s addition should be a nice way to bolster the bullpen a few weeks into the regular season.
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