Sat Jun 21 00:50:00 UTC 2025: **Philadelphia Phillies’ Orion Kerkering Records First Career Save Amid Bullpen Shakeup**
MIAMI – Philadelphia Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering achieved a significant milestone Monday night, securing his first career save in a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. The 24-year-old right-hander pitched a clean ninth inning, solidifying his role as a key figure in the Phillies’ bullpen.
“I was shocked, to tell you the truth,” manager Rob Thomson said regarding Kerkering’s first career save. “He pitched great.”
Kerkering’s save caps an impressive run of scoreless outings. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 17 appearances, dating back to May 9, recording seven holds and two wins in the process.
“It feels great,” Kerkering said. “Just to be able to continue the stretch I’m on right now [since] the beginning of May, and just kind of keep it rolling and not overthink the situation. I think that’s what’s most important.”
Kerkering’s emergence has been crucial for the Phillies, particularly with closer José Alvarado serving an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Further adding to the bullpen concerns is Jordan Romano’s recent struggles. While Romano had a string of scoreless appearances earlier in the season, he’s since posted a 6.75 ERA in his last nine games.
On Monday, Thomson deployed Romano in the seventh inning and Matt Strahm in the eighth, paving the way for Kerkering to close out the game.
Despite his recent success, Kerkering acknowledges areas for improvement. He has allowed a significant percentage of inherited runners to score and his 1.36 WHIP is higher than desired for a high-leverage reliever.
Nevertheless, Kerkering’s ability to prevent runs has been undeniable. As the Phillies likely seek bullpen reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, Kerkering will have a chance to solidify his position as a core member of the team’s late-inning options.
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