Rob Thomson hints at NLDS Game 2 starter following Phillies’ intrasquad game at CBP

Rob Thomson hasn’t officially announced the Philadelphia Phillies NLDS rotation, but it looks like we may have gotten sneak peek into his thought process after his media session following today’s intrasquad game at Citizens Bank Park.

Again, Rob Thomson didn’t officially announce his rotation, but it sure does appear that he’s leaning towards Cristopher Sánchez in Game 2 and Aaron Nola in Game 3 on the road – wherever that may be.

Classic gamesmanship or genuine indecision is up for debate. The Phillies still don’t know if they’ll be facing the Mets or Brewers and that uncertainty could be the reason we don’t know which direction the Rob Thomson will go leading up to Game 1 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.

Topper did speak on few factors influencing his Game 2 starting pitcher decision, with Sánchez’s home/road splits being the main talking point.

Rob Thomson on Cristopher Sánchez:

“I mean, talk around town is Sanchy’s home and road splits,” Thomson said, addressing what’s becoming a key topic. “You gotta factor that in. He’s just so much better at home.” [Source]

If you’ve been following the Phillies closely, you know Sánchez has been lights out at Citizens Bank Park. He’s posted a sparkling 2.21 ERA at home this season compared to a 5.02 ERA on the road.

Given that, it makes a ton of sense to use Sánchez in Game 2 at home, where he’s clearly more comfortable, instead of saving him for a potential Game 3 on the road at either Citi Field or American Family Field.

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Rob Thomson also mentioned how breaking up the righties and lefties in the rotation is part of the equation.

It’s a smart move if the Phillies can throw a lefty in Sánchez between right-handers like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Plus, with Nola’s steady hand in any ballpark, he’s an ideal candidate for a Game 3 start on the road, where you know he’ll be calm and collected no matter the environment.

Philadelphia Phillies Postseason Rotation:

1. RHP Zack Wheeler (31 GS, 16-7, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 213 K, 193.2 IP)
2. LHP Cristopher Sánchez (31 GS, 11-9, 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 153 K, 181.2 IP)
3. RHP Aaron Nola (32 GS, 13-8, 3.52 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 190 K, 194.1 IP)
4. LHP Ranger Suárez (26 GS, 12-7, 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 143 K, 148.2 IP)

Earlier this season, Rob Thomson seemed to downplay Sánchez’s home/road splits, calling them more of a random anomaly than a trend. But now, with a full season’s worth of data to evaluate, he’s starting to acknowledge that maybe there’s more to it.

“I think most of the time, those numbers go back and forth year to year,” Thomson said, pointing out that sometimes the differences are just noise. But for Sánchez this season, the sample size is significant enough that it’s become “a thing,” as Thomson put it. [Source]

In the end, the Phillies’ decision on who starts Game 2 will hinge on their opponent, but don’t be surprised if Sánchez is the guy. Based on the numbers and Thomson’s comments, all signs are pointing that way – and that’s a good thing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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