Starting Pitchers (4)
Zack Wheeler
Zack Wheeler has been the Phillies' ace since his arrival after the 2019 season. He has been a perennial Cy Young Award contender, and his 2024 season was no different. He will get the ball in Game 1 of the NLDS, and the club will look to follow his lead. His dominant pitching can be an absolute game-changer in the postseason. Over the last two playoff stretches, Wheeler has a 2.42 ERA and 0.73 WHIP. Look for that dominance to continue this weekend.
Aaron Nola
The longest-tenured Phillies player is no stranger to pitching in big situations. Aaron Nola will get his chance to pitch in big games again this postseason. The order of the rotation behind Wheeler is still up in the air but count on Nola starting Game 2 or 3 of the Division Series. He is a workhorse and if he is on, he can be a real threat on the mound in the postseason.
Cristopher Sánchez
Cristopher Sánchez has perhaps been the biggest breakout player for the Phillies this season. His 2024 has been nothing short of fantastic — especially at Citizen's Bank Park. His ERA at home this season was 2.21 compared to his 5.02 ERA on the road. That stat could sway Thomson to pitch his left-hander at home in Game 2 of the NLDS and push Nola back to start Game 3. The Phillies' top three starters can go head-to-head with just about any playoff team rotation.
Ranger Suárez
The other left-hander of the starting staff has had a tale of two seasons. Ranger Suárez was one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball through the All-Star break. After suffering an injury and hitting the IL after the break, the calm and collected pitcher has struggled while posting a 5.65 ERA post-All-Star break. That shakiness causes him to likely be the fourth starter in the rotation entering the playoffs. However, his career 1.62 postseason ERA could help ease the mind of his manager and the fans.