Phillies release start times for NLDS Games 3 thru 5

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a first-round bye straight to the NLDS and are set to host their division rivals, the New York Mets. With start times for Games 1 and 2 already set, the remaining start times have been revealed.

The Phillies are stuck starting Games 3 and 4 in the highly questionable 5:08 slot:

Game 4 starts at 6:08pm if LAD/SD ends in a sweep

Game 5 starts at 8:08pm if LAD/SD ends in 3 or 4 games

— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) October 4, 2024

Pat Gallen is right. 5 p.m. is pretty garbage as far as start times go. Obviously, this won’t impact fan attendance; expect the Bank to be packed to the gills.

I love the way the Fightins match up with the Mets. While technically a better team than the Brewers, neither of them should scare Phils fans much. Especially with the Mets having so many lefties in their rotation.

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.

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 calls upon Cristopher Sánchez, who has been outstanding at home with a 2.21 ERA at Citizens Bank Park.

NLDS Game 3: Aaron Nola will ideally seek to close out a sweep at Citi Field.

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.

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

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