Postseason FAQ: What’s next for Phillies?

September 26th, 2024

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies clinched their first National League East title in 13 years on Monday night with a 6-2 win over the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Then, on Wednesday, they picked up their 94th victory of the season and outslugged the Cubs, 9-6, and after the Brewers lost to the Pirates, Philadelphia clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the best-of-five NL Division Series.

Here are answers to a few questions you might have:

The Phillies have three games to play in the regular season. Anything to watch now that the division is wrapped up and the first-round bye is secured?

Absolutely.

The Phillies would like to finish tied or better than the Dodgers to get home-field advantage through the NL Championship Series. Philadelphia (94-65) owns the tiebreaker over Los Angeles (94-64), so it would win the No. 1 seed if the teams finish with the same record. Phils manager Rob Thomson said his club wants the top seed, but he also said he will not risk the health of his players to get it.

Don’t look for the starting rotation to pitch deep in the game this weekend, and expect Thomson to give some of his position players like first baseman Bryce Harper and catcher J.T. Realmuto some time off. Harper, for example, has been dealing with right elbow and wrist issues. During Wednesday’s game, in fact, Harper felt a stinger in his elbow while swinging in the batter’s box.

“He gets these stingers every once in a while. It’s kind of a hyperextension of the elbow,” Thomson said.

What might the NLDS roster look like?
The Phillies have carried 13 pitchers and 13 position players in the past two NLDS, but things might change this year. Why? Because Philadelphia has uncertainty in left and center field, and an extra bench bat could help.

Let’s assume the Phils carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players.

Hays was reinstated from the 10-day IL on Tuesday. Thomson said as long as Hays is healthy, he will be on the postseason roster. The Phillies have potential platoon setups in left and center field in the postseason with the right-handed Hays and the lefty Marsh in left, and the righty Rojas and lefty Stevenson in center.

Stevenson was optioned on Tuesday, but he will be eligible for the NLDS roster, if needed.

Whom the Phils carry on the bench could come down to the opposing team: Does the opponent have a bunch of left-handers in the bullpen? Right-handers? Philadelphia will have to consider that.

Turnbull is listed as the last man in the Phils’ bullpen, although he might not be ready by then. If he isn’t, Walker, Kolby Allard, Tyler Gilbert and Max Lazar are options.

Who is eligible for the postseason roster?
Any player who was in the organization as of Aug. 31 is eligible, including Minor Leaguers. 

Which team will play the Phillies in the NLDS?
The Padres, Mets, Diamondbacks and Braves are jostling for position for three NL Wild Card spots. Atlanta is one game behind New York and Arizona in the Wild Card race.

Here is how the Phillies fared against those four teams this year:

  • Padres: 5-1 (+17 run differential)
  • Diamondbacks: 3-4 (-3 run differential)
  • Mets: 7-6 (+10 run differential)
  • Braves: 6-7 (-23 run differential)

When does the postseason begin?
Game 1 of the NLDS is Oct. 5.

What’s the lineup?
The top seven spots in Thomson’s lineup have been consistent recently. But the final two spots could change depending on the matchups. Against a right-hander, it could be Marsh in left and Stevenson in center, unless there is a fly-ball pitcher on the mound. Then, Thomson could keep Rojas in center. If it’s a left-hander on the mound, Hays or Wilson could start in left and Rojas could start in center.

  1. Schwarber, DH
  2. Turner, SS
  3. Harper, 1B
  4. Castellanos, RF
  5. Bohm, 3B
  6. Stott, 2B
  7. Realmuto, C
  8. Hays, LF
  9. Rojas, CF

How does the rotation set up?
Wheeler will start Game 1. There is no question about that. But who starts Game 2? Sánchez has a remarkable 2.05 ERA at Citizens Bank Park, compared to a 5.02 ERA on the road. Sánchez’s drastic home-road splits could be a fluke, but is it worth taking that chance?

If Sánchez starts a Game 2 at home, Nola is most likely to start Game 3 on the road. Suárez is the No. 4 starter at this point. He could start Game 4, if needed.

What about the bullpen?
Estévez is the closer.

Thomson will deploy Hoffman, Strahm, Alvarado and Kerkering as needed. Ruiz has thrown the ball well in recent weeks, pushing him into more high-leverage situations. The Phillies feel better about the state of their bullpen than they have the past two postseasons.

Is anybody injured?
Turnbull hasn’t pitched since late June. He pitched on Sunday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and he will continue his recovery from a strained right lat by pitching a live batting practice session on Friday.

The Phillies don’t think it’s an impossibility that Turnbull could be back for the NLDS or a later round.