Phillies’ Opening Rotation Revealed: Wheeler gets the ball, Sánchez gets the crowd

Phillies manager Rob Thomson has laid out the rotation plan for Opening Week, and it comes with a couple surprises—including a new face getting a big stage and an early nod of trust for one of 2023’s breakout arms.

During Friday’s Grapefruit League broadcast, Thomson told Scott Franzke and Ruben Amaro Jr. how the Phillies plan to line up the starting rotation for the first turn through the order:

Phillies Opening Rotation:

• 3/27 at Nationals: Zack Wheeler (Opening Day)
• 3/29 at Nationals: Jesús Luzardo (Phillies debut)
• 3/30 at Nationals: Aaron Nola
• 3/31 vs. Rockies: Cristopher Sánchez (Home Opener)
• 4/2 vs. Rockies: Zack Wheeler (on normal rest)
• 4/3 vs. Rockies: TBD (No. 5 starter)

Wheeler gets the ball on Opening Day, no surprise there. He’s earned that ace status, and he’ll be back on the mound just five days later for the first night game at Citizens Bank Park.

Wheels Up: Zack Wheeler officially named Phillies Opening Day starter

Aaron Nola, who previously had a six-year stranglehold on the Opening Day job, gets bumped back to Game 3 of the season.

Thomson wanted to break up Wheeler and Nola—and the Sánchez/Luzardo duo as well—for matchup and rhythm purposes. Luzardo, acquired this offseason from the Miami Marlins, gets the nod in Game 2, and Cristopher Sánchez will handle the home opener on March 31.

That Sánchez home opener start says a lot. The Phillies clearly see the 27-year-old lefty as more than just a back-end guy. He was rock-solid last season and dominant at Citizens Bank Park. Giving him that moment in front of the Philly faithful is a great sign of trust.

As for the No. 5 spot? That’s where things are up in the air.

Ranger Suárez is dealing with mild back stiffness again, the same issue that cost him time last year. Thomson said Thursday was a “no-throw” day for Suárez, and they’ll re-evaluate over the weekend.

Ranger Suárez dealing with back stiffness, Phillies’ rotation takes its first hit

If Suárez isn’t ready for April 3, Taijuan Walker is the most logical plug-and-play option, though Joe Ross could also factor in if the team wants to slow-play Walker or stretch out his innings a bit more.

The good news is that the Phillies won’t need that fifth starter until April 3, the sixth game of the season. That gives Suárez and the staff a full extra week to make a call.

The Phillies have options, and more importantly, they’ve got a front four that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in baseball. Opening Day is almost here. Let the rotation roulette begin.

Join The Chase