There were a myriad of reasons why the Philadelphia Phillies weren’t able to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series.
The bats went silent.
The inability to move runners was painful to watch.
And the bullpen scuffled.
More specifically, the back end of the bullpen.
Craig Kimbrel went from an All-Star to a struggling average pitcher. Seranthony Dominguez basically lost his control.
Promising right-hander Orion Kerkering appeared in seven of the 13 playoff games, but wasn’t the same in the NLCS in those high-leverage situations. He allowed the tying run in Game 3, walked two batters in Game 4 and gave up a run in Game 6.
If Kerkering can channel that experience, it will be beneficial in 2024. Whether he’s competing as a closer or throwing in the sixth inning, this is a player to watch.
Kimbrel is gone.
Dominguez, Jose Alvarado and Gregory Soto will all be in the mix to become the team’s closer.
It could also be Kerkering.
He seems to have the personality to handle the job.
"I've thought about it a lot, just kind of going back and looking at old mistakes," Kerkering told Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I even go back and look at all my minor-league mistakes. In the moment, like after the game, you go look and your emotions are still there. But it's always one pitch or a couple pitches that weren't there. That's all it was."
He made only one appearance in Triple-A and received the call to the Phillies in late September.
The Phillies believe Kerkering is that good.
"I like the stuff," manager Rob Thomson said. "I like the makeup. I think he's going to be a big part of this thing moving forward – and including this year."
Opening the season with Philadelphia should be incredibly beneficial. Last season’s experience will help.
Don’t be surprised if Kerkering continues to improve and trots out to the mound to close out a number of important games.
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