Orion Kerkering Optioned to Triple-A After Recent Bullpen Struggles

The Philadelphia Phillies are optioning reliever Orion Kerkering to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a disastrous stretch in which he surrendered seven earned runs over two appearances against the Mets. On Saturday, Kerkering allowed four runs on four hits and two walks in one inning, ballooning his season ERA to 4.97 and over 9.00 since the All-Star break. Interim manager Don Mattingly cited concerns over Kerkering's spiraling execution and sweeper.