**Phillies’ Orion Kerkering Feels Right at Home in Clearwater, Eyes Big Role in 2024**
CLEARWATER, Fla. — For **Orion Kerkering**, spring training in Clearwater feels like a homecoming. The **Philadelphia Phillies** reliever, who grew up in Venice, Florida, and pitched at the **University of South Florida (USF)**, is just a short drive from where his baseball journey began.
*“It kind of helps not to move far for spring training,”* Kerkering said. *“I get to go home whenever I want. Seeing familiar faces at USF this past year, working out a little bit, and meeting the new coach has been great.”*
**From USF to the Phillies**
Kerkering, a fifth-round pick by the Phillies in the **2022 MLB Draft**, has quickly risen through the ranks. Despite posting a **4.79 ERA** during his college career at USF, he transformed into a dominant force in the minors and made his MLB debut last season. In his first full year with the Phillies, Kerkering went **5-3** with a stellar **2.29 ERA**, solidifying his place in the team’s bullpen.
*“Stats weren’t always the best record-wise,”* Kerkering reflected. *“I was stressing too much then, trying to push myself too hard. But it’s about believing in what people see in me and what I can do. I’ve learned to trust their belief in me and keep riding that confidence.”*
**The Sweeper: Kerkering’s Secret Weapon**
Much of Kerkering’s success can be attributed to his devastating **sweeper**, a pitch with sharp horizontal movement that baffles hitters.
*“High school is where it started,”* he said. *“It wasn’t as hard as it is now, but I’ve been able to improve it. In the big leagues, I’ve learned how to use it better against both righties and lefties, depending on the situation.”*
**Looking Ahead to 2024**
The Phillies are counting on Kerkering to play a significant role in the back end of their bullpen this season. For Kerkering, the pressure is just part of the game.
*“No pressure at all,”* he said. *“It’s the same three outs every time I go out there. No matter what inning it is, I think they’re all super important.”*
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**Key Takeaways**:
– **Orion Kerkering**: Phillies reliever with a 2.29 ERA in his rookie season.
– **Sweeper Pitch**: His signature pitch with elite horizontal movement.
– **2024 Role**: Expected to be a key piece in the Phillies’ bullpen.
With his hometown roots and a lights-out sweeper, Kerkering is ready to make an even bigger impact in 2024.
