Phillies' Matt Strahm Sends Three-Word Message Amid Orion Kerkerings First Save

Kerkering getting his first save in his third season with the team is surprising. Considering how well he pitched in 2024 and his strong 2025 season since May began, Kerkering getting his first save against the Marlins was a surprise.

It was a clean outing, getting two groundouts and a strikeout. For Strahm, he's always come to bat for Kerkering whenever he gets the chance. Earlier in the year, he called out people on Twitter/X for their negative comments amid Kerkerings' 6.53 ERA start to the year.

This time, however, it's a positive message he's sending, and one that's hopeful of Kerkering getting more chances to close games for the Phillies in the future. With how he's pitched since May first, it's not a surprise that Strahm believes this save is the first of many.

Since May first, Kerkering has a 0.53 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. The only thing holding Kerkering back from securing his spot as the closer is his struggles with command, as he's walked 10 batters and hit one since May 1st.

But, with his recent performances in mind, and Thomson alluding to the potential for Kerkering to get more closing opportunities, Strahm may be right. This save from Kerkering might be the first of many.