Orion Kerkering back from the injured list, Kyle Backhus optioned

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Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering (50) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Phillies’ bullpen, which has been quite strong of late, is about to get another reinforcement to help shorten up games.

Prior to tonight’s game against SF, the Phillies returned RHP Orion Kerkering from his rehab assignment with LHV (AAA) and reinstated him from the 15-day IL. To make room for him on the 26-man roster, LHP Kyle Backhus was optioned to LHV following last night’s game.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 7, 2026

We know the last time that Orion Kerkering set foot on a major league mound, bad things happened for him and for the Phillies. However, the way the bullpen is currently constructed, he shouldn’t have to worry about high leverage situations any time soon. There are others ahead of him in the pecking order and that’s alright.

Kyle Backhus, after a rough Opening Day appearance, has been better with each subsequent appearance, yet with his option remaining, was the odd man out.

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