Phillies release start times for NLDS Games 1 and 2

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a first-round bye straight to the NLDS, so the team and fans are anxiously watching the Wild Card series to see who will come to Citizens Bank Park on Saturday to kick the series off. While we don’t know the opponent, we now see the start times for both opening home games.

NLDS Games 1 and 2 will both start at 4:08 pm:

Phillies will start at 4:08 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) October 2, 2024

I’ve got to say, this is absolutely perfect. There is plenty of time to prepare for (drink before) the game on Saturday without making the wait too excruciatingly long.

Then comes Sunday, so you can recover from Game 1 (drink more, maybe on the golf course) before Game 2 begins. Combine that with perfect weather and a Philly sunset midway through each game, and you’ve got the perfect atmosphere for a Phils playoff game.

While the Fightins do not know their exact opponent, they’ll play the winner of the Brewers-Mets Wild Card series. The full postseason bracket is below.

MLB Postseason 12-Team Bracket is Set >>

Here’s how the Phillies have played against the Brewers and Mets this season:

• Brewers: 4-2 record (+4 run differential)
• Mets: 7-6 record (+10 run differential)

The top of the Phillies’ lineup has remained steady throughout the 2024 MLB season, but the bottom spots will vary depending on the pitching matchup.

Against right-handed pitchers, expect Brandon Marsh and Rojas to handle left and center field, respectively. When facing a left-handed pitcher, Hays or Wilson may start in left, while Rojas or Marsh could take the center field position.

Phillies Starting Lineup:

1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
2. Trea Turner, SS
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Nick Castellanos, RF
5. Alec Bohm, 3B
6. Bryson Stott, 2B
7. J.T. Realmuto, C
8. Brandon Marsh, LF (could switch with Austin Hays based on matchups)
9. Johan Rojas, CF (or Cal Stevenson/Weston Wilson, depending on the pitcher)

Phillies NLDS Starters:

NLDS Game 1: No surprises here — Zack Wheeler is set to take the mound.

NLDS Game 2: Topper has some decisions to make. While Aaron Nola brings valuable experience, Cristopher Sánchez has been outstanding at home with a 2.21 ERA at Citizens Bank Park. Nola might still get the start due to his track record, but Sánchez’s impressive home performance could prompt the Phillies to consider a change.

NLDS Game 3: The pitcher who doesn’t start Game 2 — Aaron Nola or Cristopher Sánchez — is highly likely to take the mound for Game 3 on the road.

NLDS Game 4 (if necessary): If the series goes to Game 4, Ranger Suárez will step in as the fourth starter.

Phillies bullpen

Closer Carlos Estévez will lead the bullpen, but Rob Thomson has numerous options at his disposal. Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering have all been dependable, while José Ruiz has recently stepped up, securing more high-leverage opportunities. The bullpen’s depth has emerged as a significant strength compared to past postseasons.

Who do the Phillies want to face in the NLDS – Brewers or Mets…?

Honestly, the Phillies should have zero issues beating either team, but if you want to look for an edge, you’ll find it based on the starting rotations for each team. As stated above, the Brewers are right-heavy, while the Mets are left-heavy.

Don’t overthink it. The answer is obviously the New York Mets.

Kyle Schwarber had a .300 batting average with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs in 248 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

Bryce Harper hit .301 with 9 homers and 31 RBIs in 226 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

J.T. Realmuto hit .286 with 4 home runs and 14 RBIs in 122 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

Nick Castellanos had a .269 batting average with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 170 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

Trea Turner had a .303 batting average with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs in 168 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

It all starts Saturday in South Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park.

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