Phillies face calls to reduce Orion Kerkering's role in the bullpen

The Philadelphia Phillies face mounting pressure to adjust their bullpen usage following a series of poor performances by right-hander Orion Kerkering. After allowing a two-run home run in a loss to the Atlanta Braves, Kerkering’s season ERA has climbed to 4.12. Over his last four appearances, the reliever has posted a 12.27 ERA while struggling with command. Reports indicate that Alex McFarlane has proven more reliable in high-leverage situations, prompting calls for the team to shift Kerkering into lower-leverage roles. While the Phillies maintain a strong starting rotation and reliable late-inning options in Jhoan Duran and Jonathan Bowlan, the current state of the bullpen rotation remains a focus as the season progresses. Moving Kerkering down the depth chart would align with his recent statistics while allowing McFarlane to take on more frequent high-leverage work.

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