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Phillies send struggling reliever Orion Kerkering to triple A

Kerkering has an 18.68 ERA in four appearances in September and Don Mattingly said it was "hard to find spots" to use him.

Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering has a 9.43 ERA since the All-Star break.
Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering has a 9.43 ERA since the All-Star break.Read moreMonica Herndon / Staff Photographer

NEW YORK — After extended struggles, the Phillies have demoted reliever Orion Kerkering to triple A, the team announced on Sunday.

The Phillies will continue their wild-card pursuit without Kerkering, who has struggled significantly in the second half. In four appearances in September, he had an 18.68 ERA.

After getting knocked around for four runs in the eighth inning on Saturday, the Phillies reached a crossroads with the 25-year-old, who was unable to keep the Mets to a three-run deficit.

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On Friday, he gave up a three-run homer to Juan Soto. Interim manager Don Mattingly said it was “hard to find spots” to use Kerkering.

In a corresponding move, Max Lazar was recalled from triple A.

The Phillies once viewed Kerkering as one of their top high-leverage arms with the potential to be a setup man for closer Jhoan Duran.

This marks the right-hander’s first time being optioned since he made his major league debut in September 2023.

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