"The Moment is Not Too Big for Him" - Rob Thomson on His Decision to go to Orion Kerkering
Lot of people questioning the decision by Rob Thomson to go with the kid Orion Kerkering in the bottom of the 7th, up 1-0 in Game 3 of the NLCS:
“The moment’s not too big for him. We knew, in that part of the lineup, there was probably were going to be some left-handed pinch-hitting, a chance too anyway. And he’s really good on left-handers.”
Thomson isn’t wrong about the lefties. Kerkering hasn’t given up a hit to a lefty yet this season in only seven plate appearances. Righties, on the other hand, hit him at a .400 clip. And the first two batters he faced were right-handers Tommy Pham, who singled, and Lourdes Gurriell Jr., who ripped an RBI double to tie the game up. Kerkering this postseason has pitched in games that have finished 7-1, 10-2, 10-0, and 3-0. 10-zip is a lot less tougher than 1-0. The rookie hadn’t given up a run in his first four appearances. Last night he gave up a run and three hits before recording an out. It was also the first time he’s pitched without multiple days rest.
I’m surprised they didn’t go to Jose Alvarado, Matt Strahm, or Gregory Soto in that spot. But Thomson manages these guys well. He knows their personalities better than anyone. He’s pressed all the right buttons with the bullpen this postseason so if he says Kerkering is built for that spot then you have to take his word. Maybe with a bullpen game Friday he didn’t want to burn guys he’ll be relying on, and with a 2-0 lead in the series wanted to see what the young guy has in pressure situations. Unfortunately, it bit them in the ass. Far from the reason they lost the game though. You can’t expect to do damage with three hits and securing your only run due to a wild pitch.
You just hope Kerkering doesn’t let this snowball, but good news – the dudes in the clubhouse had his back right away:
Marsh said Phillies players spoke with rookie reliever Orion Kerkering to offer encouragement as soon as the game was over. Marsh said he’s eager to see Kerkering back on the mound in any situation because the team has such confidence in him. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 20, 2023