Yesterday, it was announced that the Philadelphia Phillies could be without Orion Kerkering to begin the season. Kerkering’s last spring training game was on March 1. Kerkering has not pitched since, due to sickness. Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated that the squad will be extremely careful. According to Thomson, Kerkering is scheduled to pitch at the Phillies’ spring training facility this week. The team is confident that Kerkering will not be out long. As a result, an additional bullpen spot may become available on the opening day roster. If that happens, three bullpen places on the opening day roster will become available.
Bullpen Options As The Phillies Could Be Without Kerkering To Start
It’s worth noting that none of the pitchers on this list appeared on the team’s planned 26-man opening day roster. Every pitcher on this list is presently on the Phillies’ 40-man roster. Andrew Bellatti and José Ruiz are two contenders who do not currently appear on the Phillies’ 40-man roster. Given the Phillies’ full 40-man roster, it is doubtful that a non-roster invitee will make the Opening Day roster. There is also the possibility that Kerkering will be ready for the start of the regular season. These guys are also possibilities for the two open bullpen spots, and they might make the 26-man roster that way.
Connor Brogdon
Connor Brogdon has a 3.18 ERA and two strikeouts through five spring training appearances. Last season, Brogdon had a 2-1 record, a 4.03 ERA, a 108 ERA+, and 26 strikeouts. It is vital to know that Brogdon has no remaining minor league choices. This means that unless Brogdon reaches the Opening Day roster, he will be designated for assignment at some point. Brogdon’s lack of options hampers the decision-making process for the two or three open bullpen positions.
Nick Nelson
Nick Nelson is 2-0 this spring, with a 6.23 ERA and two strikeouts in five appearances. Last season, Nelson appeared in one major league game and won. Last season in the minor minors, Nelson went 7-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 25 starts. Nelson finished the 2022 season 3-2 with a 4.85 ERA, an 82 ERA+, and 69 strikeouts. Nelson does have some minor league options remaining. Nelson is the least probable of these candidates to be chosen if the position opens up.
Luis F. Ortiz
Luis F. Ortiz has a 0-2 record, a 3.38 ERA, and five strikeouts in seven appearances. In 14 appearances last season, Ortiz had a 3.32 ERA, 132 ERA+, and 16 strikeouts. Furthermore, Ortiz had one save the prior season. Last season, Ortiz went 4-1 with a 4.60 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 33 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ortiz does have some minor league options still. In 2014, the Texas Rangers selected Ortiz in the first round. It would not be unexpected to see Ortiz on the Opening Day roster.
Spencer Turnbull
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Spencer Turnbull, who appeared in three games this spring, is the only contender on our list who did not play for the Phillies last season. Turnbull had a 3.60 ERA and seven strikeouts during those three games. Turnbull went 1-4 in seven games with the Detroit Tigers last season, with a 7.26 ERA, 61 ERA+, and 24 strikeouts. Turnbull missed the entire 2022 season due to an injury. Unlike other candidates, Turnbull has options remaining, but he must accept to be optioned. Turnbull recorded a no-hitter for the Tigers in 2021.
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