Phillies recall 9 players from minor leagues ahead of postseason roster decisions

The Phillies are starting to get their ducks in a row for October. On Monday, the team recalled nine players from the minors as part of their standard postseason prep.

Phillies Recall 9 players from minor leagues:

1. RHP Michael Mercado (AAA)
2. RHP Nolan Hoffman (AAA)
3. RHP Alan Rangel (AAA)
4. RHP Seth Johnson (AAA)
5. RHP Moisés Chace (AA)
6. RHP Jean Cabrera (AA)
7. RHP Max Lazar (FCL)
8. 2B Rafael Lantigua (AAA)
9. OF Johan Rojas (AAA)

This is all procedural, but worth noting: during the postseason, every eligible player on the 40-man roster gets recalled to the MLB roster.

Once the actual postseason roster is announced, anyone on the 40-man who doesn’t make the cut will simply be listed as “inactive.”

In other words, don’t read too much into some of these names showing up now. The real drama comes when the Phillies set their 26-man postseason roster and decide who’s active and who’s watching Red October in uniform but from the dugout.

Looking at the names above, I don’t have any of them making the NLDS roster.

Phillies NLDS Postseason Roster Prediction:

With built-in off days, I expect the Phillies 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

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.

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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.

The Outfield Platoon:

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 Platoon?

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.

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