Philadelphia leans on pitching depth, bullpen balance and veteran leadership entering the postseason
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies are back in the postseason, relying once again on experience, pitching depth and a lineup built to perform under pressure.
After a 96-66 season and another National League East title, Philadelphia enters October confident and tested. They’ve dealt with injuries and change, but the team’s identity — resilient, poised and dangerous — remains the same.
Rotation Reshaped and Ready
With Zack Wheeler sidelined for the season, the Phillies’ rotation looks different — but it still gives manager Rob Thomson stability and talent at the top. Cristopher Sánchez has emerged as the club’s ace, delivering a breakout year defined by command and consistency.
Behind him, Jesús Luzardo, acquired last winter to strengthen the staff, brings a power left-handed presence to the rotation. His swing-and-miss ability and mound composure have made him a key piece for Philadelphia’s playoff push.
Ranger Suárez, one of the Phillies’ most trusted postseason arms, rounds out the group. His versatility and poise make him capable of handling any situation — a luxury Thomson has leaned on in previous Octobers.
Bullpen Finds Its Core
The bullpen has quietly become a strength — and a reason for confidence. Jhoan Duran, acquired during the season, has taken over the closer role, bringing triple-digit velocity and a power curveball that anchors the late innings. His presence has solidified the staff and given the Phillies a true endgame weapon.
Orion Kerkering, the hard-throwing right-hander, has stepped confidently into high-leverage spots, pairing his fastball-slider mix with growing maturity on the mound. Matt Strahm remains the trusted left-hander, capable of handling multiple innings or shutting down lefty-heavy portions of opposing lineups.
Together, that trio has given Thomson flexibility he lacked in past postseasons — power, precision and balance from both sides.
Lineup Anchored by Harper
Trea Turner sets the tone at the top of the order, bringing speed, balance and consistent production. Kyle Schwarber follows, providing his trademark power and patience in the two-hole, giving the Phillies a dangerous one-two combination ahead of the heart of the lineup.
Bryce Harper remains the face of the franchise and the emotional centerpiece of the Phillies’ offense. His blend of power, discipline and clutch hitting continues to define the team’s identity.
J.T. Realmuto remains one of the game’s most complete catchers, managing the staff and delivering in key offensive moments. Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and Nick Castellanos deepen the lineup with contact hitting and situational awareness. It’s a veteran group that knows how to wear down opposing pitchers and deliver in big spots.
Defense and Depth
Defensively, the Phillies have transformed into one of baseball’s steadiest teams. Turner’s range at short, Stott’s glove at second and Bohm’s improvement at third base have turned the infield into a strength. In the outfield, Brandon Marsh provides athleticism and reliable range that limit extra bases.
Philadelphia’s ability to maintain defensive sharpness while rotating lineups has been one of its underappreciated advantages — a product of depth and preparation.
October Outlook
The Phillies have adjusted, adapted and endured. With Sánchez and Luzardo leading the rotation, Suárez providing postseason reliability and a bullpen anchored by Duran, Kerkering and Strahm, the pitching remains playoff-caliber.
Harper’s leadership and the lineup’s experience give this team the confidence to compete deep into October.
Philadelphia has been here before — and knows exactly what it takes to stay.
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