The Philadelphia Phillies may have a closer of their future in the farm system.
MLB rankings released the hottest pitching prospect for each organization and right-handed pitcher Orion Kerkering was the selection for the Phillies.
Kerkering was selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft out of the University of South Florida. He is pitching for the High Class-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
The Phillies might have to consider promoting the 2022 fifth-rounder soon. He’s been good all year, with five saves in the early going, and the last month has been more of the same: 1.69 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, 14/2 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 IP. For the season, he has a .078 BAA and .045 WHIP, as per MLB.com.
The 22 year-old Kerkering throws his fastball in the upper 90s. He’s reached 100 mph numerous times. He threw a pitch last week that registered 102 mph on the stadium gun.
Kerkering has a record of 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 15 games with six saves. He started his pro career last year, splitting time after his draft selection with the Phillies Florida Coast League rookie team and with Low Class-A Clearwater.
Last season, Kerkering went a combined 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in five games. He threw seven innings and was 0-for-1 in save opportunities.
Phillies pitching prospect
