Rob Thomson gives pitching staff update for Game 6, isn’t ruling out anybody in tomorrow’s do-or-die matchup
Phillies manager Rob Thomson spoke to the media today right before the Phillies head to Houston for hopefully two games, and the skipper didn’t rule anybody out for Game 6.
Rob Thomson Gives an Update on the Pitching Staff
The plan for Saturday night’s game is for Zack Wheeler to start. Obviously, after Wheeler’s last two starts, it’s drawing some major concern about the health of his arm and even his ankle. Obviously, Game 2 could have just been a fluke game for Wheels, but the signs of struggle aren’t promising. His velocity took a massive dip in the first inning, his command was nowhere to what it usually is, and he didn’t look as confident out there on the mound.
Rob Thomson did confirm that Ranger Suarez will be available out of the bullpen in Game 6, even though Suarez is slated to start a Game 7, if needed. There’s no Game 7 if you don’t win Game 6, so anything needs to be on the table. The goal is for Wheeler to roll, but if things change, Suarez could be called upon.
Suarez throwing innings on Saturday would set up Aaron Nola to start a Game 7 on short rest. Nola hasn’t looked promising over the last three games, but part of his struggles have come with the lack of run support from the Phillies offense. Even if Suarez did go in Game 6, he would most certainly be available to come out of the pen in Game 7, no matter the circumstance.
It’s no guarantee that Suarez will need to throw in Game 6, especially with Friday being a rest day for all of our arms. Seranthony, Alvarado, Eflin, and Robertson will all be available. Even a guy like Connor Brogdon, who gave you valuable innings on Thursday night, and looks like he’s starting to get his stuff back, is in play.
We’ve officially hit the time when you do whatever you have to do to win. Game 7 isn’t promised, and if needed, Rob Thomson is going to throw his most trustworthy arm on Saturday in Ranger Suarez. Is it ideal? No. But could it save the season? Absolutely.
Game 5 sucked the soul out of all of us here at The Liberty Line, but if there are two guys that can lead this team to a trophy, its Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez. In Rob Thomson we trust.
Phillies in 7, for all things holy.
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