There are just three games left in the 2025 MLB regular season, and the Phillies have secured a postseason bye. Their first game will be in the NLDS, likely against either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the team looking to make a deep run, the construction of the postseason roster is a huge undertaking for the Phillies. While the rotation and lineup are all but set, the back end of the bullpen is still up in the air.
In a recent piece from Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Phillies manager Rob Thomson hinted at Walker Buehler's chances of making the postseason roster and where he could factor in for the team in the NLDS.
How the Phillies can fit Walker Buehler on the postseason roster
"He's in a real good position right now," Thomson said of Buehler's chances to make the postseason roster. "Just make sure that he's healthy, No. 1, and that he's commanding the baseball, especially the fastball. He can get right-handed hitters out."
Thomson's initial line strongly points towards Buehler being a part of the postseason roster in the NLDS, and if the Phillies advance, the rest of the postseason. He provides a nice compliment to the pitching staff as a long reliever or a spot-starter if needed.
While Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez are the likely starters for the NLDS, Buehler could factor into the rotation in the NLCS or the World Series, depending on how Aaron Nola finishes out the year.
Buehler's role in October isn't fully known, but Thomson did hint at how he could be used. His last line, focusing on Buehler being capable of getting right-handed hitters out, could be his role this October.
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The Phillies could look to use Buehler as a reliever or opener against a righty-heavy part of the lineup. And if the lineup is full or right-handed hitters, Buehler could be in line for a start, with Luzardo or Suarez going to the bullpen.
Of course, it's too early to tell how the Phillies will structure their starting rotation and bullpen in the postseason. But his three strong outings, allowing just one run across 13.2 innings (0.66 ERA), mean he is an option this October.
Buehler helped close out the Dodgers' World Series title in 2024, and he could now factor into the Phillies' bullpen for a chance to win back-to-back championships.
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