Bullpen (8)
Carlos Estévez
One of the newer additions to the Phillies bullpen has taken the majority of ninth innings since his acquisition. He will continue to see high-leverage innings in the postseason. Carlos Estévez is just one arm that Thomson trusts in big spots. The bullpen has three or four other pitchers that can get big outs in the postseason, but Estévez figures to see some ninth-inning save situations.
Jeff Hoffman
One of those pitchers is Jeff Hoffman. He has been a force to be reckoned with in the late innings this season. That should continue throughout the Phillies' time in the playoffs. He is one of the most trusted relief arms the club has and for good reason. Last postseason he posted a 2.57 ERA with a 0.86 WHIP in seven relief innings.
Matt Strahm
The Phillies have yet again another high-leverage reliever in Matt Strahm. Since joining the Phillies after the 2022 season, he has been solid in any role asked of him. The 2024 season was no different and Thomson will be happy to deploy the left-hander in almost any situation.
Orion Kerkering
Orion Kerkering has flourished in his first full MLB season. After playing in four different minor league levels in 2023, Kerkering was asked to pitch in some big postseason innings despite pitching only three regular season innings last year. He struggled with command in some of those outings, but that should not discourage him or the Phillies. He has shown the ability to get Major League hitters out, striking out 74 batters in 63 innings. Kerkering will get his name called when the Phillies need to get tough right-handed hitters out in the coming days.
José Alvarado
José Alvarado's up-and-down season ended on a positive note as he posted a 2.89 ERA over the final month of the season. At various points the flame-throwing left-hander struggled with command. It seems that he may have corrected some of his issues after returning from the restricted list in early September. He may not get the same type of high-leverage innings this postseason, but he could be called upon to get a tough left-handed hitter out.
José Ruiz
The 29-year-old José Ruiz was a solid middle-inning reliever for the Phillies since his call-up in early May. In a postseason setting it is hard to see Ruiz getting big innings over some of the previously mentioned pitchers, but he could see some appearances in the middle innings or if the team needs someone to throw more than one frame.
Tanner Banks
Since joining the Phillies at the trade deadline, Tanner Banks has done his job. He has pitched to a 2.74 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. With left-handers like Strahm and Alvarado getting higher leverage situations, Banks figures to be more of a middle-inning reliever like Ruiz. His performance with the Phillies so far should instill some confidence that he can effectively get left-handed hitters out.
Taijuan Walker
This last bullpen spot is a toss-up. Taijuan Walker has been awful, and there is no sugarcoating that. The other option here could be Kolby Allard, but Walker has more Major League experience and is getting paid much more money. This spot will not be used unless there is a blowout or a long extra innings game so even if he does make the roster, there is no guarantee that Walker would actually step on the mound.