Phillies Facing NLDS Pitching Roster Decisions

Phillies Have Choices for Pitching Staff on NLDS Roster

Eight pitchers are locks to make the roster. That includes the three starters. Five relief pitchers, Jhoan Duran, Matt Strahm, David Robertson, Tanner Banks, and Orion Kerkering, are also locks. It is safe to assume that, due to his veteran status, Aaron Nola will be on the postseason roster despite his struggles. While Nola has not pitched out of the bullpen in the major leagues, the Phillies will have him there just in case a game goes to extra innings and they need some length. If that is indeed the case, that would leave three spots open. But if Nola is left off the NLDS roster, that would mean four spots would be available. At least one of Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Walker Buehler will be on the roster. All three can give the team length if needed.

Open Spots and the Candidates for Them

Walker and Buehler are both good candidates to make the roster. However, given that the Phillies will probably be carrying 12 pitchers, one of Nola, Walker, and Buehler is bound to be left off. That pitcher could very well be Nola. Tim Mayza, whom the Phillies added along with Buehler on August 31, has an advantage that other options do not have: he is a lefty. Having Mayza on the team would give the Phillies a third left-handed option out of the bullpen. Lou Trivino and Seth Johnson will probably also be under consideration. Trivino had a 2.00 ERA and a 1.222 WHIP in 10 appearances with the Phillies this season. Meanwhile, Johnson had a 4.26 ERA and a 1.184 WHIP in 10 major league appearances this year.

The Best Options and Matchup Considerations

Walker and Buehler should be on the roster, with Nola left off of it. This season, Walker rebounded from a bad 2024 to record a 4.08 ERA and a 1.407 WHIP in 34 games, including 21 starts. In addition, he pitched in a one-inning relief role in the Phillies’ regular-season finale. Buehler has a 0.66 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP in three outings, including two starts, with the Phillies. That would leave two open spots. Mayza should get the nod for one of the open spots to give them an extra left-handed bullpen option. The lone remaining spot should then go to Trivino. This would give the Phillies six right-handers and three left-handers available out of the bullpen. That gives them matchup and situational flexibility.