The Philadelphia Phillies could potentially start the season without a reliever.

Yesterday, reports surfaced indicating that the Philadelphia Phillies might have to begin the season without Orion Kerkering. Kerkering’s last appearance in a spring training game was on March 1, after which he has been sidelined due to illness. Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated that the team is exercising extreme caution with Kerkering. Thomson outlined the plan for Kerkering to pitch at the Phillies’ spring training facility this week. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful that Kerkering’s absence will be brief. Consequently, there’s a possibility that an additional bullpen spot could open up on the opening day roster. Should this occur, there would be three bullpen spots available for the opening day roster.

Bullpen Options Amidst Possible Absence of Kerkering at the Phillies’ Season Start

It’s noteworthy that none of the pitchers listed here were initially included in the team’s projected 26-man opening day roster. Each of these pitchers is presently on the Phillies’ 40-man roster. Notable candidates not currently on the 40-man roster are Andrew Bellatti and José Ruiz. Given the Phillies’ full 40-man roster, it’s somewhat improbable for a non-roster invitee to secure a spot on the opening day roster. There’s also the chance that Kerkering might recover in time for the regular season. These players are also in contention for the two existing bullpen spots and could secure a place on the 26-man roster that way.

1. Connor Brogdon

Connor Brogdon boasts a 3.18 ERA with two strikeouts across five spring training appearances. Last season, he held a 2-1 record with a 4.03 ERA, a 108 ERA+, and 26 strikeouts. Notably, Brogdon has exhausted all his minor league options. This complicates the decision-making process for the available bullpen spots, as he would be designated for assignment unless he outright makes the opening day roster.

2. Nick Nelson

Nick Nelson currently holds a 2-0 record with a 6.23 ERA and two strikeouts in five spring appearances. Last season, he made one major league appearance, securing a win, while in the minors, he tallied a 7-3 record with a 3.83 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 25 starts. Nelson retains minor league options. However, among the options, he seems less likely to secure the spot if it becomes available.

3. Luis F. Ortiz

Luis F. Ortiz boasts a 0-2 record, a 3.38 ERA, and five strikeouts across seven spring appearances. Last season, he maintained a 3.32 ERA with a 132 ERA+ and 16 strikeouts in 14 outings, recording a save. Additionally, with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Ortiz tallied a 4-1 record with a 4.60 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 33 appearances. Ortiz still has minor league options remaining. Given his pedigree as a former first-round draft pick, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the opening day roster.

4. Spencer Turnbull

Spencer Turnbull, the only candidate not with the Phillies last season, made three spring appearances, registering a 3.60 ERA with seven strikeouts. Last season, with the Detroit Tigers, he held a 1-4 record with a 7.26 ERA, a 61 ERA+, and 24 strikeouts in seven games, having missed the entire 2022 season due to injury. Turnbull retains options but would need to consent to be optioned. Notably, he threw a no-hitter for the Tigers during the 2021 season.