Phillies Face Dodgers in NLDS with Rotation Questions and Schwarber’s Power Leading the Way
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies are set to face the los Angeles Dodgers in the National league Division Series, a matchup highlighted by Philadelphia’s potent offence and concerns surrounding their starting pitching following a key injury. The series begins Saturday, October 5th, with the Phillies hosting Games 1 and 2.
This postseason marks a critical juncture for both franchises. The Phillies, after a dominant regular season led by Kyle Schwarber’s record-breaking performance and Cristopher Sanchez‘s league-leading Baseball-Reference WAR, aim to return to the NLCS and beyond. The Dodgers, consistently a playoff contender, seek to reclaim World Series glory. The outcome of this series will significantly impact the trajectory of both teams’ championship aspirations.
Schwarber enjoyed a monumental season,leading the National league with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs,and establishing a new major league record with 23 home runs as a left-handed batter against left-handed pitchers.Sanchez outperformed highly touted rookies Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal in WAR, solidifying his position as a key contributor. Though, the Phillies’ postseason hopes are now tempered by the absence of starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, who is out for the playoffs.
The rotation behind Jesus Luzardo is uncertain, with options including Ranger Suarez – who struggled in his final three starts, allowing 12 runs and four home runs in 14 innings – Aaron Nola (6.01 ERA), and recently acquired Walker Buehler, released by the red Sox in August.
Philadelphia will also rely heavily on the offensive contributions of Trea Turner, who had a strong season before a late-season hamstring injury. Turner returned for only two at-bats at the end of the regular season and is expected to be a crucial catalyst for Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
