The Phillies’ bullpen doesn’t exactly have a lot of open spots available. We all know that Jose Alvarado, Seranthony Dominguez, Matt Strahm and Gregory Soto are going to have jobs. Dylan Covey (or whichever long reliever takes his place) will serve as a bulk innings guy, meaning there were always only going to be three jobs open when spring training began.
Based on last season, one of those jobs was clearly earmarked for Orion Kerkering.
Bursting onto the scene last year and dominating several levels of minor league ball, Kerkering not only got into games in September, he also put himself into position to make the playoff roster and pitch important innings.