If the Philadelphia Phillies are forced to host Game Three of the Wild Card round, they’ll have a huge decision looming.
Does manager Rob Thomson start Ranger Suarez?
Or shift to Cristopher Sanchez?
Suarez was stellar during last season’s run through the playoffs and into the World Series.
But heading into this year’s Wild Card, Suarez doesn’t look quite right.
And Sanchez looks sharp.
It seems like a simple solution.
After all, Sanchez boasts a 3.35 ERA with 90 strikeouts and 14 walks in 94 innings since rejoining the Phillies on June 17. His changeup has been among the best in all of Major League Baseball during this stretch.
“Even in a one-inning stint, I wouldn't be afraid to use him," Thomson said of utilizing Sanchez in the playoffs. "I'm really confident that the moment and the situation is not going to get the most of him."
The left hander has thrown 98 1/3 innings this season and his arm still appears to be fresh.
Suarez and Taijuan Walker are both capable starting pitchers.
But if the Phillies need a win to advance to the National League Division Series, they should hand the ball to Sanchez.
The next round can't be played until the first one is completed.
If Philadelphia sweeps the Wild Card round with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola on the mound, there will be new decisions to make during the NLDS.
Sanchez, however, gives the Phillies the best chance to advance in a win-or-go-home Wild Card game and should be the starter.
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