Yesterday, it was reported that the Philadelphia Phillies may be without Orion Kerkering to start the season. March 1 was the last time Kerkering appeared in a spring training game. Kerkering has not pitched since then due to illness. Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated that the team will be very cautious. According to Thomson, the plan is for Kerkering to pitch at the Phillies spring training facility this week. The team is optimistic that Kerkering will not be out for long. As a result, another bullpen spot might become available on the opening day roster. If so, three bullpen spots on the opening day roster will be available.
Bullpen Options As The Phillies May Be Without Kerkering To Start
It is important to note that none of the pitchers on this list were on the team’s projected 26-man opening day roster. Each pitcher on this list is also currently on the Phillies 40-man roster. Some candidates not currently on the Phillies 40-man roster include Andrew Bellatti and José Ruiz. Given that the Phillies have a full 40-man roster, it is somewhat unlikely that a non-roster invitee will make the opening day roster. There also remains a possibility that Kerkering will be ready by the start of the regular season. These players are also candidates for the two already available bullpen spots and could earn a place on the 26-man roster that way.
Connor Brogdon
Connor Brogdon has a 3.18 ERA and two strikeouts in five spring training appearances. Last year, during the regular season, Brogdon had a 2-1 record, a 4.03 ERA, a 108 ERA+, and 26 strikeouts. It is important to note that Brogdon does not have any remaining minor league options. This means unless Brogdon makes the opening day roster outright, he will be designated for assignment at some point. Brogdon’s lack of options complicates the decision-making for the two or three available bullpen spots.
Nick Nelson
So far this spring, Nick Nelson has a 2-0 record, a 6.23 ERA, and two strikeouts in five appearances. Last season, Nelson made one major league appearance, earning a win. In the minor leagues last season, Nelson had a 7-3 record with a 3.83 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 25 outings, all of which were starts. During the 2022 season, Nelson had a 3-2 record, a 4.85 ERA, an 82 ERA+, and 69 strikeouts. Nelson does have minor league options remaining. Of these options, Nelson is the least likely to get the nod if the spot becomes available.
Luis F. Ortiz
Luis F. Ortiz has a 0-2 record, a 3.38 ERA, and five strikeouts in seven appearances. Last season, in 14 appearances, Ortiz had a 3.32 ERA, a 132 ERA+, and 16 strikeouts. Furthermore, Ortiz recorded one save the previous season as well. In 33 outings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, Ortiz had a 4-1 record with a 4.60 ERA and 45 strikeouts. Ortiz does have minor league options remaining. In 2014, Ortiz was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round. It would not be surprising to see Ortiz on the opening day roster.
Spencer Turnbull
The lone candidate on this list who was not with the Phillies last season is Spencer Turnbull, who made three appearances this spring. In those three outings, Turnbull had a 3.60 ERA and seven strikeouts. Last season, with the Detroit Tigers in seven games, Turnbull had a 1-4 record with a 7.26 ERA, 61 ERA+, and 24 strikeouts. Turnbull missed the entire 2022 season due to injury. Unlike other candidates, Turnbull has options remaining but would have to agree to be optioned. During the 2021 season, Turnbull threw a no-hitter for the Tigers.
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