The final week of minor league regular season play is upon us and with that only AAA Lehigh Valley has a full slate of games to be played as they end the year against Worcester at home in a six game set.
Reinforcements will been added to the roster for the last home stand. Today the following promotions were announced - Pitchers Orion Kerkering, McKinley Moore and Erich Uelmen join from Reading. To make room on the active roster outfielder Brewer Hicklen has been transferred to the development list.
RHP Orion Kerkering - 22 years old - drafted in 5th round of the 2022 draft - University of South Florida - pitched in twenty-one games (21 IP) with Reading posting a 2.05 ERA with 33 strikeouts and just 5 walks. It was a strong summer for Orion as he earned multiple promotions and dominated the A level of play before arriving at Reading. His two plus pitches (fastball and slider) put him in a position to challenge for a major league spot next year. Overall 2023 season numbers to date - forty eight appearances, fifty-two and two third innings pitched, 1.54 ERA, seventy-eight strikeouts, twelve walks, 0.87 WHIP, fourteen saves, four holds and .180 batting average against. Has definitely put himself in a position for a big league spring training invitation next year and potentially becoming a major league contributor in 2024.
RHP McKinley Moore - 25 years old - acquired in a trade with the White Sox on 3/29/22 in exchange for OF Adam Haseley - was drafted in the 14th round of the 2019 draft by the White Sox from Arkansas-Little Rock. - made the Phillies opening day roster after having an impressive spring training camp. Was optioned to Lehigh Valley on 4/16/23 and appeared in eleven games with the IronPigs (posted a 1.50 ERA in 12 IP, 20 K’s, 17 BB) before being placed on the IL and spending a large part of the summer working with the rehab group in Clearwater. Returned to game action at Reading on September 5th and pitched well (five appearances, 1.80 ERA in five IP with 10 K’s and 2 BB). He’s a high velocity reliever capable of upper nineties to triple digits heat and has a hard, sharp breaking slider to go along with it. Issues have been control and command for the 6’6” hurler. The stuff can shine thru if he can learn to throw strikes consistently and command the zone. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 95 to 99 mph - max 100 ), slider ( 86 to 92 mph ), change up ( 87 to 95 mph ).
RHP Erich Uelmen - 27 years old - acquired from Cubs in exchange for cash on 1/4/23 - was the Cubs 4th round draft selection in the 2017 draft - Cal Poly - began the year with the IronPigs and posted a 1-2 record in thirteen appearances (14 2/3 IP) with 11 K’s and 7 BB. Was placed on the IL on 6/5/23 and spent the balance of the summer with the rehab group in Clearwater before making two one inning rehab appearances with the Threshers on 9/7 and 9/12, then with Reading on 9/15. He pitched in 25 major league games with the Cubs in 2022 as a reliever posting a 4.67 ERA in 27 IP. He’s a sinker/slider/change-up pitcher with the fastball generally in the 92 to 94 mph range.
Additional roster adjustments will be made throughout the week as needed.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.