LOS ANGELES — We’re in an unusual phase of the baseball season where traditional clichés don’t quite fit. The Philadelphia Phillies have important objectives to tackle over the last nine games, but they can also start considering October. Conversations about roster organization have commenced.
The first change involves tweaking the pitching rotation; Taijuan Walker is set to start Friday in Arizona, with Walker Buehler projected to follow him from the bullpen. This move allows the team to assess Buehler for a potential role as a right-handed reliever in October and to optimize Cristopher Sánchez’s schedule ahead of Game 1 of the National League Division Series, scheduled for October 4.
Manager Rob Thomson has not confirmed the postseason rotation, citing specific matchups as potential factors. However, the plan leans toward utilizing the three left-handed starters — Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Jesús Luzardo — for the NLDS, likely in that order. Sánchez and Luzardo both throw hard, while Suárez adds a different pace, which could be beneficial in the lineup.
Luzardo expressed eagerness for a chance in the postseason. “It would be amazing for me,” he shared. “I’m open to whatever they need, whether it’s in the bullpen or starting.” He showcased solid performance in his recent outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, throwing seven strong innings, despite facing challenges in the eighth.
To achieve this weekend’s rotation adjustment, Sánchez will start at home against the Miami Marlins and again in Game 162 against the Minnesota Twins, maintaining his pitching routine without extended gaps in between starts. While Buehler remains a point of interest, he is unlikely to take on a starting role in the postseason. If a fourth starter is needed for the NL Championship Series, it will likely be Aaron Nola.
Turner’s Swift Recovery
The Phillies have kept Trea Turner in Philadelphia to focus on rehabilitation from a mild hamstring strain, and they believe he is progressing well. Turner jogged at 50 percent recently, while taking grounders and swinging in the cage. Thomson noted, “He just continues to have good days.” The team plans for Turner’s return soon, potentially incorporating live pitching in the next week as they aim for his readiness before the regular season concludes.
Potential Roster Changes
The team might consider maintaining a player not currently on the active roster. Thomson indicated comfort with 12 pitchers in a five-game series, allowing room for an extra hitter, potentially Johan Rojas, who has garnered regular at-bats in the minors since being demoted. His speed and defensive skills could prove valuable in tight playoff scenarios.
Strahm’s Achievement
Matt Strahm’s recent scoreless inning has nearly activated a vesting option worth $7.5 million for 2026, pending a physical post-season. Among lefty relievers with over 100 innings pitched from 2023 to 2025, Strahm boasts the second-best ERA at 2.49. Interestingly, he did not face Ohtani in the latest series but has previously held him to a single in five at-bats, showcasing Strahm’s effectiveness for future matchups.
