With a couple of days off following their dominating Wild Card Series sweep over the shell-shocked Miami Marlins, the Philadelphia Phillies have given us a look at how they plan on rolling out their starting pitchers for the upcoming NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies will have to play away from the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park for the first time this postseason when they head to Truist Park to open the NLDS on Saturday. The best-of-five series is a rematch of last year's division series, in which the Phillies won 3-1 and outscored the Braves 24-13.
RELATED: Get all the up-to-date NLDS schedule information, including game dates, times and broadcast details.
Phillies confirmed and projected starters for NLDS
After much speculation about who would get the ball for Game 1, Rob Thomson has settled on Ranger Suárez. The lefty was penciled in as the probable starter for Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, but his services weren't required after the Philly bats came alive in the 7-1 series-clinching win on Wednesday.
Suárez only faced Atlanta once this season, but it was a doozy. Despite Philly taking the loss 4-2, he went six innings, scattering four hits and gave up only one run while striking out seven.
The rest of the NLDS rotation isn't a surprise, per Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Rob Thomson says Ranger Suarez will start Game 1, followed by Wheeler and Nola.
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) October 6, 2023
Zack Wheeler is set to start Game 2 on Monday night. If you're wondering why the undisputed ace of the staff isn't getting the nod in Game 1, remember that Wheeler pitched on Tuesday, helping get the Phillies postseason started on the right foot. He went 6 2/3, allowing one run with eight strikeouts.
Aaron Nola will start Game 3 back in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park, the site of his big-time Wild Card performance. Against the Marlins, the soon-to-be free agent picked up the win after putting up seven scoreless innings while scattering three hits and striking out three.
If the series goes to Game 4, you can expect Suárez to get another start. If a fifth and deciding game is necessary, Wheeler should be ready to go again on a regular five days of rest.
Who will the Braves start against the Phillies in the NLDS?
The Braves will most likely go with Spencer Strider in Game 1. The second-year strikeout artist punched out 281 batters this season and finished as the lone 20-game winner in the majors. Max Fried will probably take the hill in Game 2.
Game 3 could see Bryce Elder get the start. Otherwise, the Braves will have to dig into their depth and choose from AJ Smith-Shawver, Allan Winans, Darius Vines or Jared Shuster.