Phillies Face Decision on Game 4 Starter for NLCS
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the NL Championship Series with their top three starters, but they will soon need to call on a fourth starter. With Game 4 approaching on Friday at Chase Field, manager Rob Thomson has yet to name a Game 4 starter.
The decision will likely come down to Taijuan Walker or Cristopher Sánchez. Both pitchers threw two innings in a sim game on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Despite a bit of rust, Thomson believes they are both good options for Game 4.
Walker, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal last offseason, had a successful regular season, going 15-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 31 starts. The Phillies went 21-10 in those games. Sánchez finished with a 3-5 record and a 3.48 ERA in his 18 starts, with the team going 8-10.
The Phillies will be facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS. The Diamondbacks had slightly better numbers against right-handed pitchers, while the left-handed-hitting Corbin Carroll did most of his damage against right-handers. However, the switch-hitting Ketel Marte has a higher career OPS against lefties, and Tommy Pham and Christian Walker have relatively even splits.
While Walker’s first inning struggles may be a concern, Sánchez’s success against lefties could be an advantage. Thomson also mentioned the possibility of using Sánchez as an opener before bringing in Walker.
Both Walker and Sánchez have had some hiccups in their recent form. Walker had a 5.93 ERA in September, while Sánchez posted a 4.15 ERA in August and September after a strong showing in June and July.
In terms of postseason experience, Walker has one previous start in the playoffs, although it did not go well. He gave up four runs in one inning during the 2017 NLDS. Sánchez, on the other hand, has yet to make an appearance in a playoff game.
Thomson plans to make a decision after Game 3 on Thursday, taking into account bullpen usage and the outcomes of the first three games of the series. The Phillies are hoping to continue their postseason success and secure a spot in the World Series.