Phillies Activate Orion Kerkering, Option Kyle Backhus

Kerkering returns from 15-day IL, Backhus sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:58pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives creating a dynamic, abstract representation of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a relief pitcher's motion captures the dynamic energy and movement of the game.San Francisco Today

The Philadelphia Phillies have reinstated right-handed relief pitcher Orion Kerkering from the 15-day injured list ahead of their game against the San Francisco Giants. To make room on the roster, the team has optioned left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus to their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Why it matters

Kerkering was a key part of the Phillies' bullpen last season, posting a 3.30 ERA in 60 innings over 69 appearances. His return should provide a boost to the relief corps as the team looks to compete in the NL East. Backhus, an offseason acquisition, struggled in his first few outings but had shown improvement in recent appearances.

The details

Kerkering, 25, had been sidelined with a right hamstring strain suffered during spring training. He made four rehab appearances at Triple-A, allowing one run in four innings. Backhus, 27, had a 9.00 ERA in four relief appearances covering three innings for the Phillies this season.

  • Kerkering was reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Backhus was optioned to the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Orion Kerkering

A 25-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, who was a fifth-round draft pick in 2022 and is in his third MLB season.

Kyle Backhus

A 27-year-old left-handed relief pitcher who was acquired by the Phillies in December and has struggled in his first few outings this season.

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The takeaway

Kerkering's return from injury should provide a boost to the Phillies' bullpen as they look to compete in the NL East, while the team will continue to evaluate Backhus' performance at the Triple-A level.