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Rob Thomson Names Phillies Starting Rotation Order

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The defending NL East Champs have their rotation set to begin the year.

Philadelphia Phillies' manager Rob Thomson spoke during Friday's Spring Training game and revealed the order he plans to use his starters to kick off 2025.

First up is staff ace Zack Wheeler, who the team had already announced would be the Opening Day starter. Wheeler faces off against the Washington Nationals on March 27th at 4 pm, and he will be opposed on the mound by left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

The Phils will have one of their lefties pitch the second game of the series: offseason addition Jesús Luzardo. Aaron Nola will get the ball for game three on Sunday.

Then for the home opener on March 31st at 3 pm, Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound against the Colorado Rockies. The decision is likely rewarding Sánchez for his breakout 2024 campaign, where he had the rotation's second-lowest ERA (3.32) behind Wheeler and threw two complete games and a shutout.

Wheeler will make a second start on April 2nd, warranted by a pair of days off that give him extra rest, and then the team's fifth starter will pitch game three.

Rob Thomson said on TV broadcast this is likely rotation order to open season.

Zack Wheeler @ Nationals 3/27
Jesús Luzardo @ Nationals 3/29
Aaron Nola @ Nationals 3/30

Cristopher Sánchez vs. Rockies 3/31 (HO)
Zack Wheeler vs. Rockies 4/2

Fifth starter will go on April 3.
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) March 21, 2025

Ranger Suárez should be that final pitcher, as long as his current back soreness doesn't prevent it. As of Friday, he's been feeling better . Joe Ross and Taijuan Walker are two other options if Suárez takes a turn for the worse.

The Phillies' starting rotation is widely regarded as one of the best in MLB. Wheeler, Sánchez, and Suárez all made the National League All-Star team last season. Wheeler's 2.57 ERA and 224 strikeouts were ranked third in the majors and made him a Cy Young candidate. Nola also finished in MLB's Top 15 with 197 Ks.

With all of that matching up against two of the NL's lowest-rated teams, it could be a very enjoyable first week for the Philly faithful.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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