The Philadelphia Phillies have made another significant bullpen decision with the postseason approaching, sending right-handed reliever to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a difficult stretch on the mound.
The move came shortly after Philadelphia’s 10-3 loss to the New York Mets, where Kerkering surrendered four runs. It was the latest setback in a prolonged run of struggles for the 25-year-old reliever, who entered the season as an important part of the Phillies’ bullpen.
Kerkering’s 2026 campaign has deteriorated considerably in recent weeks. He currently owns a 4.97 ERA, the highest mark of his young major-league career. His recent struggles became particularly difficult for Philadelphia to overlook as the team battles for a postseason position.
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly had already expressed significant concern about Kerkering’s situation, acknowledging that it had become increasingly difficult to find opportunities to use the reliever.
The decision to send him to Lehigh Valley now gives Kerkering an opportunity to work through his struggles away from the major-league spotlight.
Phillies Need Answers in the Bullpen
Kerkering’s demotion comes at a critical point in Philadelphia’s season. With October approaching, the Phillies need dependable options in the bullpen, particularly in situations where one difficult inning can completely change a postseason game.
Kerkering’s recent form made his role increasingly uncertain, and Saturday’s outing against the Mets appears to have accelerated the organization’s decision.
The Phillies selected Kerkering in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, and he quickly developed into one of the organization’s intriguing pitching prospects. In the minors during 2023, he posted a 1.51 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 53â…” innings before receiving his major-league call-up that September.
He immediately impressed, striking out two batters during a perfect inning in his MLB debut against the Mets.
Kerkering remained part of Philadelphia’s bullpen and recorded his first career save in 2025. However, his recent struggles have now placed his immediate role with the Phillies in question.
Philadelphia recalled Max Lazar from Triple-A to take Kerkering’s place on the roster, according to reports.
With the postseason race entering its final stages, the Phillies will have little time to find stability. Whether Kerkering can regain his form at Triple-A could become an important storyline as Philadelphia prepares for October baseball.
