Orion Kerkering may miss Opening Day with the flu

A report Monday afternoon raised many eyebrows concerning one of the best young talents on the team, Orion Kerkering.

Kerkering hasn’t pitched since March 1st reportedly due to “the flu” and according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com is “scheduled to throw at the complex some time this week.” Rob Thomson when asked about this over 2 week absences for the young reliever said “He’s 22 years old, we’re not going to risk anything.”

Orion Kerkering made his first appearance in the major leagues against the Mets on September 24th, where he appeared in the 8th inning and sent the Mets down in order with 2 strikeouts as well. In a very limited regular-season sample size, the Number 7th ranked prospect for the Phillies showed lots of promise with 6 strikeouts in 3 innings allowing just 1 run in that time. He saw more action in the playoffs where he pitched 5.1 innings with a 3.38 ERA and 7 strikeouts.

Kerkering was expected to show even more flashes this year, which will be his first full year in the MLB. The likelihood of him missing a chunk of time with the flu is obviously low, but how it goes for him pitching sometime this week in Florida could determine whether or not the young stud will be ready to go against Atlanta in just 10 days.

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