Phillies' Matt Strahm Sends Three-Word Message Amid Criticism of Orion Kerkering

Devan Kaney of 94 WIP posted, "Think we all need to have an honest conversation about Orion Kerkering." The next day, Strahm responded with, "Please enlighten me."

Strahm’s response, though brief, clearly defends Kerkering and calls out Kaney for raising concerns. He pointedly asks her to “enlighten” him on why a conversation is needed about Kerkering.

The comment comes after a shaky outing against the Pirates, and while short, it shows Strahm standing up for his teammate and pushing back on the criticism.

Kerkering came on in relief of Abel after six strong innings in his debut. He walked the first batter he faced on four pitches, and then allowed a single. 

With runners on first and second, Kerkering got a ground ball to himself, before nearly throwing it away trying to get the lead runner at third. Bohm made an incredible stretching grab, getting an out and potentially saving a run from scoring.

Kerkering then got a double-play ball to end the inning, avoiding major damage in a game with Pirates ace Paul Skenes on the mound. With a 1-0 victory, Kerkering's outing nearly blew it.

Many expressed concern about Kerkering’s outing, and his 2025 MLB season numbers support that unease. He has a 4.08 ERA over 17 2/3 innings.

While Kerkering hasn't been his 2024 self, who finished with a solid 2.29 ERA, he hasn't been nearly as bad as other relievers around the league. He's gone four straight outings without allowing a run, including a clutch outing against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kaney's commentary wasn't the only one expressing concern for Kerkering. But Strahm responded to her concerns with sarcasm and mockingly called her out for her call to action.