Phillies Announce Replacement After Disappointing Orion Kerkering Move

The Philadelphia Phillies will recall right-hander Max Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the roster spot of reliever Orion Kerkering, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

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Kerkering was optioned to Triple-A following the Phillies’ 10-3 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday, a game in which he allowed four runs in the eighth inning. The 25-year-old right-hander also surrendered a three-run home run to Juan Soto in a 6-3 loss Friday.

Kerkering pitched well early in the season. Through July 20, he was 6-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 41 appearances. His results have slipped since then, and Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly acknowledged his concern about the right-hander before the move. Kerkering finishes his 2026 season with a 4.97 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 58 innings.

Phillies will recall Max Lazar to fill Orion Kerkering’s spot on roster. Whether they play today remains to be seen. Could be a long day.

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— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) September 20, 2026

Lazar, 27, has appeared in six games for Philadelphia this season, posting a 5.63 ERA with five strikeouts and three walks in eight innings. The move marks his third stint with the big-league club in 2026.

Right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, who has been Mattingly’s go-to setup man, is unavailable with a mild groin strain. The Phillies did not place Bowlan on the injured list.

The Phillies have seven regular-season games remaining as they push for a National League Wild Card spot. Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series is scheduled for September 29. The team will have to get on a roll soon if they want to go far in the postseason. Philadelphia has lost 10 out of its last 16 games.

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This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 2:19 PM.