Orion Kerkering #50

Richard Orion Kerkering (pronounced oh-RYE-un KURR-kurr-ing)…Attended University of South Florida…2019 graduate of Venice High School (FL)…Signed by: Bryce Harman

2023

Was the recipient of the Paul Owens Award, presented annually to the Phillies’ top Minor League pitcher...Appeared in five levels of the Phillies organization, including making his ML debut on 9/24 vs NYM...Began the year with Clearwater (A) and was promoted to Jersey Shore (A) on 5/9, Reading (AA) on 7/6 and Lehigh Valley (AAA) on 9/18...In the Minor Leagues, combined to go 4-1, 14 SV, 15 SVO, 1.51 ERA (9 ER, 53.2 IP), 12 BB, 79 SO, 38.0% SO rate, 5.8% BB rate in 49 games (208 BF)...Was T-1st in saves (4) in the Florida State League during his time with Clearwater...Was T-1st in saves (7) in the Eastern League during his time with Reading...Among Minor League pitchers with 50.0 IP, allowed the fewest number of runs (9), ranked fourth in ERA and fifth in WHIP (0.89)...Named a Baseball America Minor League All-Star and MiLB Organization All-Star and named to the MiLB Awards All-MiLB Prospect First Team...Had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley on 9/22 and fanned Brett Baty for his first ML SO in his debut on 9/24 vs NYM...Recorded his first ML win vs PIT on 9/27 after working a scoreless seventh inning...Became the first Phillies player since Aaron Nola in 2015 to make his ML debut in the very next season after being drafted...Appeared in all three rounds of the postseason for the Phillies (NLWCS, NLDS, NLCS)...Went 0-0 with two holds, one BS, 3.38 ERA (2 ER, 5.1 IP), seven hits, three BB and five SO in seven postseason games...Became the second-youngest Phillies player to pitch in a playoff game (NLWCS Game 2, 10/4 vs MIA) at 22 years and 183 days (youngest: Marty Bystrom, 22 years and 78 days in 1980)...Started his postseason career with four scoreless appearances (4.0 IP) and did not allow a run in five of his seven playoff outings.

2022

Began professional career with Florida Complex League Phillies (R), making pro debut on 8/20 at FCL Tigers...Promoted to Clearwater on 8/24...Participated in Florida Instructional League