Phillies' Rob Thomson Considering Starting Rotation Shake-Up

There are two main factors behind this potential decision from Thomson. The first is getting Zack Wheeler on regular rest, to pitch after the off-day on Monday, June 23rd. For Thomson, the other main reason to shake things up in the rotation is to break up the left-handed pitchers.

There are three lefties in the rotation: Ranger Suarez, Christopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo. With the rotation in its current order, Luzardo, Suarez, and Sanchez would pitch back-to-back-to-back.

To break the lefties up and get Wheeler on regular rest, the Phillies could trot out a rotation of Luzardo on Sunday, Suarez on the 24th, Wheeler on the 25th, Sanchez on the 26th, Abel on the 27th, and Luzardo on the 28th.

It'd break up the lefties by having Abel and Wheeler sitting between all three lefties in a five-man rotation. Another way of looking at this construction would be having Suarez in the one, Wheeler in the two, Sanchez as the three, Abel as the four, and Luzardo as the five in a standard rotation.

Not only would this allow for more diversity in their pitching schedule, but it'd also put Wheeler on regular rest and force opposing teams to make difficult decisions regarding their platoons each series.

While this may not be a significant change, it will ultimately benefit us in the long run. Whether it's allowing for Nola to slide right back into the rotation or Painter coming in July, the Phillies shaking things up isn't a bad thing.

With how great the starters have been in 2025, it's not about trying to ignite a spark. It's all about gaining every slight advantage they can, while also catering to Wheeler, the team's ace, and a Cy Young contender once again.