The Philadelphia Phillies have some players entering the postseason in the midst of cold streaks that could endanger the organization's chances of winning the World Series. If they're going to have a lengthy playoff run, they can't have a repeat of their performance in their 2024 National League Divisional Series against the New York Mets. The series was a complete collapse for Philadelphia.
The Phillies have given fans more reason to feel confident entering the playoffs compared to a year ago. Still, despite their great record at Citizens Bank Park and finishing the regular season with 96 wins, the club has some concerns. Which players experiencing cold streaks are troubling before Game 1 of the NLDS between the Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers?
3 worrisome cold streaks that could end the Phillies' 2025 MLB playoff hopes
Ranger Suárez, LHP
Ranger Suárez experienced difficulty in his last two starts of the regular season. The left-hander totaled a 9.72 ERA, allowing three home runs and 17 hits in 8 1/3 innings. After finishing with 12 strikeouts in his Sept. 9 start, he compiled a total of 11 Ks in his last three starts.
He finished with the lowest BB/9 of his career with 2.17. Suarez's 3.21 FIP was the second-lowest of his eight years in the majors and the lowest of his four seasons as a full-time starter. His 3.20 ERA was his lowest as a starting pitcher, and his 4.0 fWAR was a career best.
Which version of Suárez will show up for Philadelphia in the playoffs? With Zack Wheeler out for the postseason and Aaron Nola having finished an erratic regular season, Philly needs Suárez to be a solid starter in their rotation.
Ranger Suárez's 11th and 12th Ks. 😯 pic.twitter.com/SeISxOG2aC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 10, 2025
Kyle Schwarber, DH
Kyle Schwarber had his best overall regular season this year. The designated hitter finished with career highs in several offensive categories, including 56 home runs, 132 RBIs, and 111 runs. While he has become a full-time DH since 2024, he played in a career-best 162 contests this season.
Even some of his advanced statistics were career highs. Schwarber compiled a .563 SLG, a .323 ISO, a 4.9 fWAR and a 152 wRC+. The fourth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft finished with a .928 OPS, tying his career high. His .391 wOBA was the second-highest of his 11 years in the majors, just less than his .392 in 2021.
However, Schwarber went hitless in seven of his final 10 regular season games, going 7-for-40 with 19 strikeouts. If he struggles in the playoffs, that will still hinder the Phillies' offense despite their overall talent. The 32-year-old slashed .125/.263/.313 in last year's NLDS, and he knows he can be better in the playoffs.
Aaron Nola, RHP
Aaron Nola finished off the regular season on a high note. He pitched eight innings on Sept. 26, the longest outing of his season. The right-hander finished with nine strikeouts, the most during a single outing in 2025. However, he allowed six earned runs during each of his starts on Sept. 3 and Sept. 14. He finished with a 5.04 ERA in five September starts and was not good in three of his five outings.
Aaron Nola, Painted 93mph Two Seamer. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/g0IUnqdyct
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 27, 2025
It is anybody's guess what to expect from Nola in the postseason. At the very least, Phillies fans should feel nervous when he takes the mound for a start in the playoffs. His 0.9 fWAR was the lowest of his 11 seasons in the majors and his lowest since his rookie year in 2015. Nola has a chance to start fresh in the playoffs, but it will be challenging considering the season he has had.