Kerkering pitches in Minor League game; Opening Day still uncertain

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Orion Kerkering will be cutting it close to make the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.

But he took a significant step Tuesday afternoon in a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. It was Kerkering’s first game of the spring after suffering a Grade 1 right hamstring strain early last month.

Kerkering threw 16 pitches in a scoreless inning against Tigers prospects.

“I felt good,” Kerkering said.

Kerkering is expected to pitch in two Grapefruit League games before camp ends on March 23.

“We’ll see where we’re at from there,” Kerkering said. “But I’m sure, if I [don’t] break with them, it’ll give me more time to build up; that way I can do the back-to-backs right away, or pitch, day off, pitch. I think it all depends on what we decide together.”

The Phillies host Texas at Citizens Bank Park on March 26. Early in the season, starting pitchers might not pitch as deep into games, so manager Rob Thomson might want as much availability as possible with his relievers. If Kerkering is ready to go by Opening Day, he is one of six relievers who are locks to make the team.

Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, José Alvarado, Tanner Banks and Jonathan Bowlan are the others.

Sidearming left-hander Kyle Backhus has likely earned a spot on the team.

The final job (or jobs, if Kerkering isn’t ready) could be down to right-handers Seth Johnson, Zach McCambley, Zach Pop and Chase Shugart. Pop doesn’t have a Minor League option, so the Phillies could lose him if he doesn’t make the team. McCambley is a Rule 5 Draft pick, so they could lose him, too.

Johnson and Shugart both have options.

“We have a lot of great dudes, a lot of great options,” Kerkering said. “Whatever mix of bullpen we have out there, if I’m included or excluded, I think we have a really good next-man-up mentality out there.”

Kerkering’s fastball touched 95 mph a couple of times Tuesday. He threw a couple of splitters, which he hopes will be a fourth pitch this season, complementing his four-seam and two-seam fastballs and slider.

Kerkering got one check swing on the splitter.

“I think I executed it pretty good,” Kerkering said. “Early on, it’s just throwing it for a strike. Locating it 0-0 maybe and seeing what hitters say about it. If it drops, see what their eyes say -- 'That one was down.' Overall, they’ve been in the same spot, just right behind the tip of home plate. I think just overall if I raise my sights … so they don’t auto-take it when they see it.”