Reliever Orion Kerkering has contract selected by Philadelphia Phillies

Sep. 22—Orion Kerkerling completed his rapid rise through the Philadelphia system when the right-handed reliever had his contract selected by the Phillies Friday.

Kerkering, 22, began the season at low Single-A Clearwater before making stops at high Single-A Jersey Shore, Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

He replaces right-hander Yunior Marte, who was optioned to the IronPigs, on the Phillies roster. Infielder Drew Ellis was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Kerkering's promotion gives the Phillies a chance to see what he can do at the major league level and determine if he could be a contributor in the playoffs. Despite not being on the 40-man roster on Sept. 1, he is eligible for the postseason.

Kerkering, selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of South Florida, went 4-1 with 14 saves in 15 chances, a 1.51 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP in 49 appearances this season. He allowed 36 hits, struck out 79 and walked 12 in 53.2 innings.

He throws a four-seam fastball that ranges from 96-98 mph, and can hit 100, but his best pitch is his slider.

He spent more time in Reading than at any of his other stops this season, going 0-1 with a 2.05 ERA and seven saves in eight chances in 21 games following his promotion on July 6. He allowed 19 hits, struck out 33 and walked five in 22 innings for the Fightin Phils.

He was promoted to Lehigh Valley following the conclusion of Reading's season Sunday, throwing a scoreless inning for the IronPigs, and has not allowed a run in his last nine appearances.

Kerkering was named the recipient of the 2023 Paul Owens Award, given annually to the organization's top minor league pitcher, on Thursday.

He will be the first player to make his major league debut the year after being drafted since Aaron Nola in 2015.

Kerkering made nine appearances for Clearwater before being promoted to Jersey Shore on May 9. He made 18 appearances for the BlueClaws.