Phillies NLDS Roster, Rotation, Lineup Prediction

The Phillies are set for the NLDS with their roster, rotation, and lineup largely taking shape.

The only thing we wait for now is their opponent.

With the Dodgers taking Game 1 over the Reds on Tuesday night in dominant, 10-5 fashion, Los Angeles needs just one more victory to clinch the Wild Card series and punch their ticket to Philadelphia, with Game 1 on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

For now, here are my predictions for the Phils’ 26-man roster for the NLDS:

Left-handed pitchers (5): Tanner Banks, Jesus Luzardo, Cristopher Sanchez, Matt Strahm, Ranger Suarez

Right-handed pitchers (7): Walker Buehler, Jhoan Duran, Orion Kerkering, Aaron Nola, David Robertson, Lou Trivino, Taijuan Walker

Catchers (2): Rafael Marchan, J.T. Realmuto

Infielders (6): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Otto Kemp, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner

Outfielders (5): Harrison Bader, Nick Castellanos, Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh, Weston Wilson

Designated hitter (1): Kyle Schwarber

The roster is pretty self-explanatory. The only cuts were Tim Mayza and Garrett Stubbs, who were the two September call-ups. Yes, Stubbs can remain in the clubhouse and party with the team if they clinch a series. Do not worry, the Chief Vibes Officer will stick around.

I would have predicted Johan Rojas to make the roster; however, he is still recovering from a quad injury he suffered on September 19 and will not be ready for the NLDS. He could be eligible for the NLCS if the Phillies were to get there, Dave Dombrowski said on Tuesday.

While it is very unlikely that Rojas would get at-bats, his speed could be lethal in late-game situations. It does not hurt to have a speedster on your bench in the postseason that you can put on the bases late in games. And the Phillies have enough outfielder depth where they can plug someone else in to avoid having Rojas out there. Even though he does have elite defense, he has not played on a major league field since July 30.

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Rotation:

1. Cristopher Sancez
2. Ranger Suarez
3. Jesus Luzardo

Now, this is my prediction, not what I prefer.

Personally, I would like to see Luzardo in Game 2. I think his energy thrives more at home, while Suarez is more of a stone-cold killer who can handle a road playoff start. The Phillies did this last season with Sanchez and Suarez. They had Suarez start Game 3 at Citi Field due to Sanchez’s dramatic home-road splits.

In theory, this would have Luzardo start a possible Game 5, which is a spot I would rather see Suarez. But, hopefully, the Phillies will not have to worry about that.

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Releivers:

1. Aaron Nola
2. Walker Buehler
3. Taijuan Walker
4. Lou Trivino
5. Orion Kerkering
6. Tanner Banks
7. Matt Strahm
8. David Robertson
9. Jhoan Duran

The Phillies do not need a fourth starter in the NLDS due to the off-days and it only being a five-game series. So, that is why Nola, Buehler, and Walker would all come out of the bullpen. The only guy I really see out of those three come in in relief this postseason is Bueheler, since he has done it before. Nola should be their fourth starter if they get to the NLCS.

The other six guys are pretty self-explanatory.

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Lineup vs. right-handed starter:

1. Trea Turner SS
2. Kyle Schwarber DH
3. Bryce Harper 1B
4. Alec Bohm 3B
5. Brandon Marsh LF
6. Harrison Bader CF
7. Max Kepler RF
8. J.T. Realmuto C
9. Bryson Stott 2B

Bench vs. right-hander:

1. Rafael Marchan
2. Otto Kemp
3. Edmundo Sosa
4. Nick Castellanos
5. Weston Wilson

Yes, the Phillies will probably platoon this postseason. The right-handed lineup and bench configuration are what we are more used to.

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Lineup vs. left-handed starter:

1. Trea Turner SS
2. Kyle Schwarber DH
3. Bryce Harper 1B
4. Alec Bohm 3B
5. J.T. Realmuto C
6. Harrison Bader CF
7. Nick Castellanos RF
8. Edmundo Sosa 2B
9. Weston Wilson LF

Bench vs. left-hander:

1. Rafael Marchan
2. Otto Kemp
3. Brandon Marsh
4. Max Kepler
5. Bryson Stott

The Phillies’ platoon has worked this season, so why not stick with it?

The Castellanos-Kepler right-field platoon has been adequate, and Sosa has been hot since coming off the injured list.

Another instance in which my preference alters from my prediction is regarding Marsh. I would like to see him against righties and lefties; however, he only had 76 at-bats against left-handers this season. So, it is safe to presume he will not start against southpaws.

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The Phillies will officially reveal their lineup prior to Game 1, which will be Saturday in South Philadelphia.

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