Philadelphia Phillies Starting Rotation Will Lead Them Through MLB Postseason

The Philadelphia Phillies have had some rough patches in the second half of the 2024 MLB season. They hold just a six-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings, but they are all but assured of a postseason berth.

It would take something catastrophic for the Phillies to not make the postseason. Their postseason odds currently stand at 99.8 percent. The only team higher in the majors with a higher percentage is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are at 100 percent.

What has gotten Philadelphia to this point? Many would point to their all-star cast headlined by All-Star Bryce Harper. Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber are both still playing at a high level, and Alec Bohm is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign.

But it’s their starting pitching that’s their biggest strength. They’ll be able to compete with anyone they’re matched up against given the elite arms that anchor the rotation and depth behind them.

At the top of that rotation is ace Zack Wheeler, who despite his continued dominance is still underrated. He’s in contention for the Cy Young Award, and if he’s lucky enough to win, he’ll finally get what he deserves.

“Since 2020, he leads all starters in both bWAR (more than four wins better than Gerrit Cole) and fWAR (two wins better than Corbin Burnes). His postseason performance over the past two Octobers speaks for itself: 2.42 ERA in 11 starts. If you’re picking a starter for a big game, he’s the guy you want,” wrote ESPN’s David Schoenfield.

Getting Ranger Suarez healthy is key to keeping the starting rotation strong. It’s most important that he’s ready to go into the postseason, as there are plenty of options to get through the regular season.

Aaron Nola has once again been a workhorse behind Wheeler. Christopher Sanchez has taken his production to the next level, building on his solid 2023 season, and has taken it a step further due to injuries. In addition to Suarez, the Phillies have also been without Spencer Turnbull and Taijuan Walker for parts of the season.

If they’re all back in the mix before the regular season is over, manager Rob Thomson has no qualms about switching to a six-man rotation. If you perform at a high enough level, you should be rewarded with opportunities.

Philadelphia needs them to keep pitching at a high level after the bullpen has faltered in recent weeks. If the relievers can get back on track, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say the Phillies have the best pitching staff of any playoff contender.