A few variables will determine which pitcher the Philadelphia Phillies use in the National League Division Series. The opponent for the Phillies has not yet been announced. Matchup factors could influence the choice while facing the New York Mets or the Milwaukee Brewers. Nevertheless, Taijuan Walker, a right-hander, shouldn’t be included in any series for the Phillies during the postseason. Tyler Gilbert, a left-hander who might have otherwise been taken into consideration, is not allowed to be on the NLDS roster.
Gilbert’s 15-day waiting period does not end before the NLDS begins because he was optioned on September 29. Although he is a candidate as well, Nick Nelson is not likely to make the NLDS team. In the event that the Phillies make it past the NLDS, Nelson might be considered for further rounds.
Choosing the Phillies Final NLDS Pitcher
Kolby Allard
Kolby Allard, a left-hander, is expected to lock down the Phillies’ last NLDS pitching place, especially if they play a team that wouldn’t be able to handle a fourth left-handed reliever.
Allard’s figures for 2024:
2-0 overall
5.00 ERA
23 strikeouts in 4 starts out of 7 outings
4.76 FIP
121 ERA+
In relief duty: 4.50 ERA
3.77 FIP
Starting pitchers: 5.29 ERA, 5.34 FIP
Allard is a perfect fit because of his adaptability and experience with long-term relief work. Especially:
threw a few innings in each MLB game this season.
demonstrated capacity to close the distance between late-inning relievers and starters
Allard can fill the job with effectiveness, as seen by his splits and performance profile, giving the Phillies a dependable left-handed bullpen option.
Max Lazar
Another contender for the job is Max Lazar, particularly if the Phillies are playing a team that would gain from having another right-handed bullpen arm. In 11 games this season, the right-hander for the Phillies had a 0-0 record, 4.61 ERA, and nine strikeouts. In the majors, he also had a 111 ERA and 4.19 FIP. Unlike the other candidates on the list, Lazar only appeared in relief for the Phillies this season. Lazar did not allow an earned run in his first seven games of the season.
He pitched 7 1/3 innings and gave up seven earned runs in the remaining four appearances. This season, Lazar has also appeared in multiple innings for three different major league teams.
Spencer Turnbull
If he can fully recover from his injury, right-hander Spencer Turnbull is the front-runner to win the Phillies’ final NLDS pitching berth.
Stats for Turnbull in 2024:
3-0 overall
2.65 ERA
17 games with 58 strikeouts (seven starts)
3.85 FIP 64 ERA+
Current events:
threw one inning on October 2 in a practice session.
Turnbull’s preparedness was questioned by Phillies manager Rob Thomson (via Corey Seidman, NBC Sports Philadelphia).
Thomson is cautious, but Turnbull is still in the running. Notably, the NLDS roster only permits 12 pitchers, which leaves room for Turnbull and either Bailey Falter/Lazar or Allard.
Turnbull’s readiness might be reevaluated for subsequent postseason rounds if the Phillies make it farther.
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