Phillies Pitchers Dealing With Injuries as Spring Training Begins

Several key relievers sidelined with hamstring, shoulder, and cardiovascular issues as camp opens.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 11:47pm

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As the Philadelphia Phillies opened spring training in Clearwater, Florida, several of the team's pitchers are dealing with various injuries. Orion Kerkering is nursing a hamstring injury, Michael Mercado has a right shoulder impingement, and Daniel Robert experienced a cardiovascular event last fall. The Phillies are taking a cautious approach with these players as they aim to get them healthy and ready for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to build on their successful 2025 season, where they reached the NLDS. Having key relievers like Kerkering, Mercado, and Robert healthy and available will be crucial to the team's chances of making another deep playoff run. These early-spring injuries are concerning, but the team is taking the necessary steps to ensure their pitchers can recover and contribute when the regular season begins.

The details

Orion Kerkering, one of the Phillies' most important relievers, felt his hamstring during his last bullpen session before spring training. Manager Rob Thomson said the team will be cautious with Kerkering, who is currently playing catch and throwing, and hopes to get him back on the mound for some flat-ground work soon. Michael Mercado, a right-handed swingman, is dealing with a right shoulder impingement and is not expected to throw for another week. Daniel Robert, acquired from the Texas Rangers last April, had a cardiovascular event last fall and will undergo a stress test in Atlanta next week to determine his status.

  • The Phillies' pitchers and catchers officially reported to spring training in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Orion Kerkering felt his hamstring injury in his last bullpen session before the start of spring training.

The players

Orion Kerkering

A key reliever for the Phillies who is dealing with a hamstring injury that is not believed to be serious.

Michael Mercado

A right-handed swingman for the Phillies who is dealing with a right shoulder impingement.

Daniel Robert

A right-handed pitcher acquired by the Phillies from the Texas Rangers last April, who experienced a cardiovascular event last fall and will undergo a stress test.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

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What they’re saying

“Last bullpen before spring training, he felt his hamstring a little bit so we're going to be cautious with that. He's still playing catch and throwing. Hopefully we'll get a little flat-ground work here in the next little bit.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager

What’s next

Daniel Robert will undergo a stress test in Atlanta next week to determine his status for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Phillies are facing early injury concerns with several key pitchers as spring training begins, but the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure these players can recover and contribute when the regular season starts. Maintaining a healthy pitching staff will be crucial to the Phillies' chances of building on their successful 2025 campaign.