Injuries & Moves: Kerkering (illness) iffy for opener
LATEST NEWS
March 18: RHP Orion Kerkering might not be ready by Opening Day
Kerkering has not pitched since March 1 because of an illness that has been running through the Phillies' clubhouse. He had been expected to pitch over the weekend of March 16-17, but the latest is that he might pitch at Carpenter Complex sometime this week. Kerkering entered camp considered a near lock to make the eight-man bullpen.
“He’s 22 years old,” manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re not going to push this thing. We’re going to take our time. When we think he’s ready … it might be at the start of the season, we don’t know.”
If Kerkering is not ready to go by Opening Day, that leaves three bullpen jobs available. Right-handers Yunior Marte and Luis F. Ortiz have thrown the ball well this spring and could be front-runners for two of those jobs. Right-hander Spencer Turnbull pitched two innings on March 18 and is expected to pitch three innings in his next appearance. Turnbull would have to accept an assignment to Triple-A Lehigh Valley if he does not make the Opening Day roster. Right-hander Connor Brogdon also is a candidate. He is out of options. Right-handers Andrew Bellatti and José Ruiz are not on the 40-man roster.
March 16: OF Jordan Luplow joins big league camp
The Phillies signed Luplow to a Minor League contract with an invite to big league camp. The 30-year-old outfielder has played in 362 MLB games over parts of seven seasons with the Pirates, Guardians, Rays, D-backs, Blue Jays and Twins. The Braves released Luplow on March 14.
INJURY UPDATES
RHP Andrew Painter (sprained UCL in right elbow)
Expected return: 2025
Painter had Tommy John surgery with ulnar nerve transposition surgery on July 25 in Los Angeles. Orthopedist Neal ElAttrache performed the procedures. The typical timeline to return to play is 15 to 18 months.
Painter, who is not on the 40-man roster, will miss the entire 2024 season, according to the Phillies. They first tried a conservative rehab process, following the opinions of their doctors and ElAttrache, who works closely with Painter’s agent Scott Boras.
“I know we’ll be looking at [Painter] and thinking in 2025 that he has a chance to be in our rotation at that time,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “But that’s a long time away.” (Last updated: Nov. 3)