"It's going to be a long offseason" for the Phillies after another early playoff exit. And there’s a lot of work to be done on a $322 million roster that only narrowly avoided a historic collapse.
The Phillies will pin their hopes to Sánchez in Game 2, but the conundrum of how to get the last three, six, or more outs from a few trustworthy options again awaits Don Mattingly.
In 2023, the Phillies faced a similar pitching conundrum when they opened with Ranger Suárez in Atlanta. The move paid off. They’re hoping it works with Jesús Luzardo in Game 1.
Win and they’re in the playoffs, and they can even lose and get in (with an Arizona loss). "You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do if that’s what it takes for us to get in," said Don Mattingly.
After a 30-pitch session, Luzardo said Friday will be “a big day to see how I bounce back.” He’s expected to face hitters in a simulated game over the weekend.
Zack Wheeler became the 96th pitcher ever to record 2,000 career strikeouts, while Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott had clutch hits in the eighth of the 6-4 win.
By keeping Painter on turn rather than giving him extra rest, the Phillies could line him up to come out of the bullpen for one inning this weekend ahead of a potential relief role in the playoffs.
