Phillies Nuggets: The latest on Orion Kerkering, Taijuan Walker and more

Thursday was supposed to be Opening Day, but with rain in the forecast, the Philadelphia Phillies elected to push back their season-opener against the Atlanta Braves until Friday. Still, Phillies manager Rob Thomson met with the media via Zoom Thursday. Here are some highlights from his session.

• Thomson didn’t reveal his full lineup, but did confirm that Kyle Schwarber will lead off Friday. You can read our final Opening Day lineup projection here.

• The Phillies had initially hoped Zack Wheeler would start the first and fifth games of the season, able to do so on normal rest because of the scheduled off day after Opening Day. Now that Friday is Opening Day, Wheeler will not pitch again until the sixth game of the season. Spencer Turnbull is expected to get the nod in the fifth game of the season, when the Phillies will be hosting the Cincinnati Reds. The Phillies believe Turnbull will be stretched out enough to throw around five innings or 80-85 pitches, whichever comes first.

• When the Phillies released their full Opening Day roster Thursday morning, reliever Orion Kerkering was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. While Kerkering was expected to open the season on the IL, the reason listed caught some off guard. However, there are no additional concerns with Kerkering, the injury listing was caused by fatigue. In fact, he threw in a simulated game in Clearwater Wednesday, only needing seven pitches to get through an inning and topping out at 98 mph. He’ll thrown again Saturday in Florida, before making a rehab appearance Tuesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

• Taijuan Walker (right shoulder soreness) is also opening the season on the 15-day injured list. The veteran righty played catch Wednesday, and will throw from 120 feet Thursday. If all goes well, the 31-year-old will throw a bullpen session Saturday.

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