Phillies reinstate Orion Kerkering (forearm) from IL

Field Level Media|published: Sun 14th April, 11:35 2024

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering (50) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning in Game 5 of the NLCS of the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field in Phoenix on Oct. 20, 2023. credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Philadelphia Phillies returned right-hander Orion Kerkering from his rehab assignment with Single-A Clearwater on Sunday and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.

Kerkering will slot into the roster spot previously held by right-hander Nick Nelson, who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the Phillies' 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

Kerkering, 23, is working his way back from a right forearm strain. He allowed just two hits and struck out 10 with no walks in 4 1/3 scoreless innings with Clearwater and Lehigh Valley.

Kerkering posted a 1-0 record with a 3.00 ERA in three relief appearances last season. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks in three innings for the Phillies, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Nelson, 28, has a 5.40 ERA while yet to record a decision in three relief appearances this season with Philadelphia. He is 5-4 with a 5.21 ERA in 73 career games (four starts) with the New York Yankees (2020-21) and Phillies.

—Field Level Media