Phillies option Orion Kerkering to Triple-A, promote Max Lazar
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 5:50 PM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have optioned reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after he struggled in recent outings, posting an 18.69 ERA in September. Kerkering allowed four runs in the eighth inning of a 10-3 loss to the New York Mets, raising concerns for interim manager Don Mattingly about his viability in high-pressure situations. To fill the roster spot, the Phillies have promoted right-hander Max Lazar from Lehigh Valley, marking a shift in their bullpen strategy as they look to stabilize their pitching staff.
- •Kerkering posted an 18.69 ERA in September.
- •He allowed four runs in a recent loss to the Mets.
- •Max Lazar has been promoted to replace Kerkering.
- •Kerkering was a reliable set-up man prior to recent struggles.
- •Mattingly expressed uncertainty about using Kerkering in critical situations.
- 6:39 PMESPN MLB — Phillies option Kerkering after September struggles
- 5:23 PMYahoo Sports — Phillies option reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A, call up Max Lazar
"The Philadelphia Phillies optioned reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday after he posted an 18.69 ERA in his four appearances this month. The right-hander gave up four runs in the eighth inning of Saturday’s 10-3 loss to the New York Mets, after which interim manager Don Mattingly admitted he was concerned about the 25-year-old and uncertain where he could continue using him. Kerkering established himself as one of the Phillies’ most reliable set-up men by going 13-7 with a 2.78 ERA and four saves over the previous two seasons.
"The Phillies optioned reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after he posted an 18.69 ERA in his four appearances this month.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 20, 2026, 6:39 PMPhillies option Kerkering after September struggles
The Phillies optioned reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after he posted an 18.69 ERA in his four appearances this month.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 5:23 PMPhillies option reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A, call up Max Lazar
The Philadelphia Phillies optioned reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday after he posted an 18.69 ERA in his four appearances this month. The right-hander gave up four runs in the eighth inning of Saturday’s 10-3 loss to the New York Mets, after which interim manager Don Mattingly admitted he was concerned about the 25-year-old and uncertain where he could continue using him. Kerkering established himself as one of the Phillies’ most reliable set-up men by going 13-7 with a 2.78 ERA and four saves over the previous two seasons.
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