Clinching a playoff spot, the Philadelphia Phillies are in an excellent position entering the postseason. It'll be interesting to see how the Phillies perform when it matters most, but after winning the National League East, they should feel confident heading into the playoffs.
Of course, the Phillies have had some struggles when it matters most, and this year might be no different.
If there are any worries about the Phillies this campaign, it’s on the mound. Considering Zack Wheeler is hurt and Aaron Nola has been brutal, there’s reason to believe Philadelphia could have some struggles.
What will the Phillies do with Aaron Nola?
Nola is the most interesting case out of the bunch, considering he's been one of the top arms in Major League Baseball for much of his career. Unfortunately, in 2025, he owns a 6.44 ERA and has only thrown in 81.0 innings.
According to skipper Rob Thomson, there are a few factors they have to consider, but as of now, Cristopher Sánchez is the ace.
"We can manipulate a lot of things after that," Thomson said, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "But Sanchy's the key right now."
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Regarding whether they’d put Nola in the bullpen, Thomson dismissed the idea, adding that he's never thrown out of the pen. That could change if things don't go as well over the final few weeks, or if they need him in a three-game series, but it's something to consider, nonetheless.
"I mean, Nola's never pitched out of the 'pen," Thomson added,
Zolecki later added that the Phillies are looking to do whatever they can heading into the postseason, which could mean there will be some different faces playing different roles over the next few weeks.
“Buehler and Walker could piggyback one more time before the end of the season, but with Buehler starting and Walker relieving him. Right now, the Phillies are trying to see who can do what as they consider how to set their postseason roster,” he wrote.