The Philadelphia Phillies are just days away from starting their quest to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2022. But one step at a time, as they say. The first step is the National League Division Series with Game 1 going on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.
We're still waiting for the Phillies' opponent for that best-of-five series. It will be either the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Dodgers or the surprising No. 6 seed Cincinnati Reds.
The Phillies are preparing both on the field and off during their first-round bye. As manager Rob Thomson and his coaching staff decide on their roster for the NLDS, here are some of the hottest burning questions fans will be waiting to have answered as the Phillies begin their postseason journey.
1. How does the Phillies' NLDS rotation set up after Cristopher Sanchéz in Game 1?
We already know that new Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez will get the ball for Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday. After that, there are only a few options the Phillies have to choose from.
Sánchez more than earned his place as the Phillies' top playoff starter. The left-hander finished his regular season 13-5 with a sparkling 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 212 strikeouts in 202 innings. His emergence was huge after losing Zack Wheeler in August, and the Phillies will lean on Sánchez throughout their 2025 playoff run.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson could easily go with three lefties in his NLDS rotation. That's the way it looks to be shaping up, with Ranger Suárez and Jesús Luzardo presumed to follow Sánchez in Games 2 and 3. They've more than earned those spots this year.
Suárez finished 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 26 starts. Luzardo went 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA — a miracle considering his two-start pitch-tipping blip earlier in the season.
The answer for Thomson seems obvious, looking at those three southpaws. However, that was before Aaron Nola threw his hat in the ring in his final start of the season, and that leads up to our next question...
2. Who's the fourth starter if the Phillies make the NLCS?
The Phillies won't need a fourth starter in the best-of-five NLDS, thanks to an off day scheduled between the first two games. But if they advance to the National League Championship Series, they will need to make an addition to the starting rotation. That's where Nola will hopefully come in.
Nola finished the season strong, putting together his best start of his difficult season last Friday. He pitched eight innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out nine without walking a single batter. Yes, it was against a feeble Minnesota Twins lineup, but his stuff would have played against any lineup.
Was it enough to convince Thomson and the Phillies that Nola is their extra rotation arm in the NLCS?
They also have late-season addition Walker Buehler to consider. After signing on Aug. 31, he appeared in three games (two starts) for the Phillies, allowing just one run in 13 2/3 innings. He struck out eight but walked six. If Buehler is added to the postseason roster, it's more likely that he'll pitch out of the bullpen, as he has prior experience in that role.
Of course, Taijuan Walker will also be under consideration. He bounced back with a nice season bouncing between the rotation and bullpen, doing whatever the team asked of him. The veteran had a 3.15 ERA in 20 innings out of the bullpen and a 4.25 ERA in 103 2/3 innings as a starter. Expect Walker to be in the bullpen, if he makes the NLCS roster.
3. Who's the Phillies' extra bench player(s) if they go with 12 pitchers again?
After carrying 28 players through September, the Phillies will have to trim the roster back down to 26. Teams are allowed a maximum of 13 pitchers on postseason rosters, but most teams like to carry an extra position player for the Division Series.
The Phillies have opted for 12 pitchers in recent years. It would be surprising to see that change this time around. Although, you never know.
So, with an extra bench spot up for grabs, who will the Phillies take with them into the NLDS?
After all the regulars are slotted in, including four outfielders, that leaves four spots left. They'll keep Rafael Marchán as J.T. Realmuto's backup. Edmundo Sosa will be there, platooning at second base with Bryson Stott. That leaves two more bench roles.
After the news broke on Tuesday that the speedy Johan Rojas wouldn't be available for the NLDS, per Corey Seidman of Phillies Nation, the choices were narrowed down even more. Rojas, who's recovering from a quad injury, could be in play for the NLCS roster. But we're focused on the here and now.
That leaves Weston Wilson and Otto Kemp as the most likely bench players. They have been with the Phillies through September, so it woudn't be surprising to see them both keep their bench roles. They can both play all over the field and hit from the right side of the plate. However, there's always a chance that the Phillies see them as redundant and opt to carry a 13th pitcher in the bullpen instead.
Only time will tell what the Phillies are thinking, but there's not much mystery left.