The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves on the brink of another trip back to the World Series following another thumping of the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series.
The Arizona Diamondbacks now stand in the Phillies' way in the National League Championship Series, and in order to advance, they are going to need some guys to step up.
These three players will need to rise to the occasion if the Phillies are going to win their second straight NLCS.
Ranger Suárez
Is there a more underrated pitcher in the National League than Ranger Suárez? In the last two postseasons, it seems that all this Phillies left-hander does is get outs.
In his postseason career, Suárez is 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA in 23 1/3 innings for the Phillies. You can add a save to those totals, as Ranger was relied upon to close out Game 5 of the NLCS last year to send the Phillies to the World Series. He has become a bit of a Swiss Army knife for Rob Thomson to deploy as he sees fit; there doesn't seem to be a moment too big for Ranger Suárez.
Coming off back-to-back solid outings in the NLDS, where he allowed one run over 8 2/3 innings in two Phillies victories, Ranger will again be relied upon to be a stalwart for the pitching staff.
With Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola slotted to start Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia, Ranger will be relied upon in Game 3 out in Arizona against a formidable Diamondbacks lineup. A few more strong outings from Suárez should have the Phillies crowned National League champions once again.