The Philadelphia Phillies officially locked up a postseason spot on Sunday with a win over the Tampa Bay Rays, but forget about a chill vibe heading into the Wild Card round. Their Game 1 pitching plan? It’s a high-stakes, wild-card gamble, for sure. Instead of rolling out a traditional starter, the Phillies are turning to Jesus Luzardo as an opener, with Andrew Painter ready to come out of the bullpen right behind him. This move is definitely getting everyone talking.
No Easy Answers for Game 1
So, here’s the deal: Zack Wheeler started the clincher on Sunday, which left the Phillies without a clear ace for Game 1. Cristopher Sanchez and Aaron Nola aren’t options, and while Andrew Painter is around, the team knows he’s a shaky starter they’d rather not throw into the fire from the jump. According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Phillies are going with a plan that’s risky but also loaded with potential reward. Luzardo, who’s been crushing it enough to snag some Cy Young votes this season, is pitching Game 1. The only catch? He’s fresh off the injured list. Throwing him into a normal starter’s role right after coming back? That’s a huge gamble.
The Phillies’ Wild Card Pitching Gambit
The plan is wild, for real. Luzardo is going to open the game in Atlanta, facing the first group of Braves hitters in the bottom of the first inning. If that first inning goes smoothly, he might get another inning or two, depending on his pitch count and how well he’s dealing. But after Luzardo, whenever that might be, the Phillies are tossing the ball to Painter from the bullpen. He’s actually done a bullpen stint earlier this season, though that was because of an ailment, not by design. This time, Painter’s ready for a bulk role, potentially coming in to start the second inning against the middle or back half of the Braves’ lineup. This could be a smoother way for him to enter the game, avoiding the initial chaos. The risk with this whole scheme is obvious: Luzardo in only his second outing off the IL, and Painter in a bullpen role he hasn’t been in for most of the season.
But if this risky plan clicks, the upside is massive. Luzardo and Painter together could get the Phillies through five or more innings, setting the team up nicely in what’s bound to be a crucial Game 1 showdown against the Braves. You just gotta wonder how Atlanta is going to handle a starter who isn’t really a starter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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