Phillies’ Playoff Strategy Takes Shape with Nola’s Surprising Bullpen Role
The Philadelphia Phillies are on the brink of securing a coveted first-round bye in the playoffs, with their magic number now reduced to just two. Any combination of two victories for the Phillies, coupled with two losses from the Los Angeles Dodgers, will guarantee their spot for an early postseason advantage.
All-Lefty Rotation in October
Regardless of whether the Phillies clinch the bye or face a tougher road ahead, the team’s strategy appears increasingly clear: they plan to field an all-left-handed starting rotation in the postseason. Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez are set to take the mound for the Phillies during the first round of the playoffs. This decision leaves Aaron Nola, Walker Buehler, and Taijuan Walker without a starting role in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
As highlighted by Matt Gelb, the Phillies are preparing to make a significant gamble with Nola’s position. The decision to go with the left-handed trio marks a bold departure from the traditional rotation structure, emphasizing the team’s strategic shift as they prepare for October’s challenges.
Nola’s Unprecedented Role
With the postseason looming, the Phillies will have one final opportunity to evaluate Nola before the playoffs begin. He is scheduled to face the Minnesota Twins on the penultimate day of the regular season. However, barring any last-minute changes, Nola is expected to be relegated to a bullpen role, as Luzardo, Sanchez, and Suarez will be entrusted with the starts during the Wild Card round—and potentially beyond.
According to Gelb, the team is likely to utilize Nola, along with Buehler and Walker, as relievers during the NLDS. This marks a significant shift for Nola, who has been a mainstay in the Phillies’ rotation since his debut in 2015.
Nola’s Career Journey
Nola’s journey with the Phillies began with promise; in his rookie season, he made 13 starts, boasting a respectable 3.59 ERA. His breakout came in 2018 when he recorded a remarkable 2.37 ERA over 34 starts, contributing 9.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) to the team.
However, the current season has been a struggle for Nola, as he has only made 16 starts, posting a challenging 6.46 ERA. His early season was marred by a rib injury that kept him sidelined for a significant period. Now, as he prepares for what could be his 17th start of the year, the transition to a relief role presents a new challenge—one that he has never faced in his career.
As the Phillies gear up for a postseason run, the strategic decisions surrounding their pitching staff reflect both a commitment to maximizing their abilities and an adaptation to the ever-evolving landscape of playoff baseball.
