Orion Kerkering 'Could Be' New Closer For Phillies According to Rob Thomson

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Orion Kerkering 'Could Be' New Closer For Phillies According to Rob Thomson originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies have some major question marks in their bullpen. Due to the poor play of Jordan Romano and the 80-game suspension for Jose Alvarado, the Phillies will see a vastly different bullpen down the stretch than they had to start the year.
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One of the biggest changes that could be coming soon is the team's closer, or their 9th inning role. Previously, Romano and Alvarado alternated based on the opposing team's lineup, but after their game against the Miami Marlins, Rob Thomson is considering making a big change.
According to an article from Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, the Phillies might be going with Orion Kerkering in the 9th for their closer role going forward.
When asked if Kerkering would get more chances to close games, Thomson provided an interesting answer. "Could be," said Thomson. "He's throwing the ball great."
This comment from Thomson came after Kerkering, against the Marlins, earned his first save in his career. He pitched a clean bottom of the 9th, bookending a strikeout with two groundouts to secure a 5-2 win.
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
On the year, Kerkering has a 2.54 ERA and a 5-2 record. He's pitched 28.1 innings and has struck out 26 batters while walking 16. From how he started the year in April, his numbers have made a massive turnaround.
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In April, Kerkering had a 6.52 ERA while blowing three saves in just 9.2 innings pitched. It was a rough month for Kerkering, but since May, he's been incredible.
Since May first, Kerkering has a 0.53 ERA and 15 strikeouts to 10 walks in 17 innings pitched. He earned his first save and notched six holds. Since May 9th, Kerkering hasn't allowed a single earned run.
With how great he's been as of late, Thomson is considering making a change in the bullpen to use Kerkering to close out games more often. With Romano and Matt Strahm struggling in 2025, Kerkering might be the Phillies' best reliever.
While the team will still likely add a reliever by the MLB trade deadline, for now, it seems likely that Kerkering will be getting more opportunities to close games going forward. It's a big change to the bullpen, but it's one that's been a few years in the making.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.