Red October: Everything you need to know before the Phillies begin NLDS at Citizens Bank Park next weekend

The Phillies are back in Red October, crowned NL East champs for the second straight year, playoff-bound for the fourth straight season, and holding the No. 2 seed in the National League. They’ve got a bye, they’ve got momentum, and they’ve got Citizens Bank Park ready to explode next weekend.

So what’s next? Let’s run through the big questions.

Potential NLDS Matchups:

The Phillies’ path starts in the NLDS against the winner of the Dodgers vs. Reds Wild Card Series. They went 4-2 vs. the Dodgers and 3-3 vs. the Reds this season. No matter who survives, the Phils will open the Division Series at home on Saturday, October 4th.

MLB Playoffs 2025: Blue Jays grab No. 1 in the AL, Guardians pull off historic Central comeback, Mets collapse as Reds clinch final NL Wild Card spot

The Postseason Roster:

With built-in off days, the Phillies are expected to go light on arms with 12 pitchers, 14 position players.

• Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto, Rafael Marchan
• Infield (4): Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm
• Utility (2): Edmundo Sosa, Otto Kemp
• Outfield (4): Brandon Marsh, Harrison Bader, Max Kepler, Nick Castellanos
• DH (1): Kyle Schwarber
• Bench Flex (1): Weston Wilson

Rotation (3): Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, Jesús Luzardo
Bullpen (9): Jhoan Duran, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, David Robertson, Tanner Banks, Taijuan Walker, Walker Buehler, Aaron Nola, Lou Trivino

Phillies Rotation Watch:

Rob Thomson already confirmed that Cristopher Sánchez gets the ball in Game 1. He’s been lights out and has earned the ace label. Expect Ranger Suárez in Game 2 to serve as the perfect change-of-pace between Sánchez and Luzardo.

For Game 3, we’re looking at Jesús Luzardo, though Aaron Nola lurks as a wild card. Nola looked sharp in his final regular-season outing and could either start or become a multi-inning relief weapon. If the Phillies reach the NLCS, Nola slots as the No. 4 starter.

Outfield Alignment

Harrison Bader has taken control of center. Against righties, expect Marsh in LF, Bader in CF, Kepler in RF. Against lefties, Nick Castellanos and Weston Wilson will get work in the corners.

Edmundo Sosa & Bryson Stott

Yes, possibly. With Turner back, Bryson Stott shifts back to his usual second base role but he and Edmundo Sosa could platoon depending on matchups. Stott feasts on righties, Sosa has crushed lefties.

Phillies NLDS Schedule

• Oct. 4: Game 1, NLDS (Citizens Bank Park)
• Oct. 6: Game 2
• Oct. 8: Game 3 (on the road)
• Oct. 9: Game 4 (if needed)
• Oct. 11: Game 5 (if needed, back in Philly)

Built-in rest days is why the Phillies don’t need 13 pitchers. They can keep the roster stacked with bats and still be armed with a rotation that doesn’t fear anybody. The bye means no wild-card chaos, just five-game focus against either the Dodgers or Reds.

If history is any indication, Citizens Bank Park is about to turn into a postseason nightmare for whoever dares step foot inside.

Red October