The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 1 of the NLDS to the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks in part to the bullpen management by Rob Thomson. While the Phillies' offense struggled mightily, the bullpen wasn't used to its fullest capacity in Game 1.
With that in mind, it's hardly a surprise that Thomson, heading into a must-win Game 2 in Philadelphia, is looking to be a lot more aggressive with his bullpen management.
According to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Phillies plan to utilize their bullpen options to their fullest capacity on Monday night, even if it means using some of their starters in an aggressive move, unlike what Thomson showed in Game 1.
Phillies' Rob Thomson planning to make aggressive bullpen decisions in Game 2 of the NLDS
"I think we'll probably have everybody available, really, other than Sanchy (Cristopher Sanchez)," Thomson said. "And then we'll figure out Game 3 if we use everybody. But I would think, if we were going to use some sort of -- I'm talking about Ranger and Nola being available -- probably only use one of those guys, unless we absolutely had to, just so that the other guy can start Game 3."
Phillies manager Rob Thomson says every pitcher will be available tonight. Jesus Luzardo will start. Ranger Suarez and Aaron Nola will be available in the bullpen.
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 6, 2025
“I think we'll probably have everybody available, really, other than Sanchy. And then we'll figure out Game 3 if… pic.twitter.com/5TZNiHSObv
This decision from Thomson points to the must-win nature of Game 2 of the NLDS. If the Phillies go down 2-0 to the Dodgers, with the series moving out to Los Angeles, it would be all but over for the Phillies in the 2025 postseason.
To avoid such a scenario, Thomson is planning to use any player out of the bullpen that they can. Whether it's Ranger Suarez or Aaron Nola, both could be in play for the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS.
Game 1 happened on Saturday night, leaving everyone, other than Sanchez, as options out of the bullpen for Jesus Luzardo in the Phillies' second postseason game of 2025.
Jhoan Duran will still be the team's closer, but Matt Strahm, David Robertson, Orion Kerkering, and the rest of the bullpen will all be available alongside starters Nola and Suarez for Thomson in Game 2.
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It's going to be all-hands-on-deck for the Phillies, as they can't afford to lose another home playoff game, especially with the Dodgers being such a dominant team from top to bottom.
Winning the final three games of that series will be near impossible. Thomson, knowing such a situation has to be avoided, is planning to be more aggressive with his bullpen on Monday night.
With the off-day on Tuesday to allow both teams to travel out west, the Phillies' bullpen can get adequate rest before Game 3, regardless of who is called out of the bullpen. So, Thomson should have no reservations over who to call upon in Game 2 of the NLDS.
After the Phillies' Game 1 loss and the Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the city of Philadelphia is starved for a win. To secure the Game 2 win over the Dodgers, Thomson needs to expertly manage the bullpen, which could include using one of Suarez or Nola out of the pen if needed.
Other than Sanchez, who had a strong outing in Game 1, every pitcher will be available on Monday night. Luzardo is getting his first playoff start with the Phillies after a strong 2025 season, while all 10 other pitchers will be ready to go for a massive game against the Dodgers.
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