The recent early exit of the Philadelphia Phillies left-hander and Bryce Harper‘s teammate Cristopher Sanchez during his April 22 start against the New York Mets raised immediate concerns within the organization. An apparent physical issue triggered fears of a potential injury setback.

However, following a period of rest and a thorough medical evaluation, Sanchez made his much-anticipated return to the starting rotation, taking the mound against the Washington Nationals in his latest outing.

Following the game, Phillies manager Rob Thomson offered a measured yet encouraging assessment of Sanchez’s performance. While acknowledging some expected rust after a week away from live action, Thomson praised the lefty’s raw stuff and overall competitiveness.

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“Yeah, [Sanchez] looked a little rusty. Been a week since he’s pitched. Command was off a little bit, but his stuff was really good. The change-up looked normal, the slider looked normal, fastball velocity was good. Yeah, so I’m pleased with it,“ Thomson said, striking a tone of cautious optimism as Sanchez continues to work his way back into full rhythm.

Cristopher Sánchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals during a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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Sanchez settles in despite layoff

In his first start since the health scare, Sanchez pitched five innings, allowing five hits, three walks, and two earned runs, while striking out six. Despite the layoff, he kept the Phillies in the game and demonstrated flashes of his usual sharpness. With a solid 3.45 ERA and a 3–1 record so far in the 2025 season, Sanchez is proving to be a dependable presence in the rotation.

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see also Phillies vs. MacKenzie Gore, Round 2: Why Bryce Harper should be on high alert

What’s ahead for the Phillies’ rotation?

The looming return of Ranger Suárez signals a turning point for Philadelphia’s pitching staff. With Suárez rejoining a group that includes Sanchez and the adaptable Taijuan Walker as a strong sixth option, the Phillies are nearing full health in their rotation for the first time this year. A deep, well-balanced starting staff could become a defining strength as the team pushes deeper into the season. Sanchez’s steady recovery is not only reassuring—it’s essential to the club’s postseason aspirations.

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We’re only two weeks out from Opening Day and the beginning of the 2025 regular season. While the Philadelphia Phillies have big plans and goals to be playing deep into October this year, a championship-contending season starts with setting the Opening Day roster. Games in March and April mean just as much as the fraught-filled contests down the stretch in September, so who will manager Rob Thomson and his coaching staff decide to take with them when the team breaks camp and heads North at the end of the month?

When we made our first way-too-early Opening Day roster prediction in January, it looked like there were only a few roster spots up for grabs this spring. It still looks that way, although a couple of injuries have thrown a monkey wrench into the Phillies’ plans. So what does the Opening Day roster look like, as we look into our crystal ball here in March?

Phillies 2025 Opening Day roster projection 2.0

Phillies Starting Rotation

Zack Wheeler (RHP)

Cristopher Sánchez (LHP)

Aaron Nola (RHP)

Ranger Suárez (LHP)

Jesús Luzardo (LHP)

Nothing has changed here since January. With the addition of Jesús Luzardo, the Phillies have five solid starters — an ace and four No. 2s, as catcher J.T. Realmuto put it recently. The Phillies will enter the season with one of the best and deepest rotations in baseball.

The only other question is how Thomson will set his rotation after ace Zack Wheeler, who is already listed as the Phillies’ Opening Day starter against the Washington Nationals on March 27. Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez has looked incredible this spring and could get the second start of the season before veteran Aaron Nola to help break up the Phillies’ three lefties.

Phillies Bullpen

Jordan Romano (RHP)

José Alvarado (LHP)

Orion Kerkering (RHP)

Tanner Banks (LHP)

José Ruiz (RHP)

Joe Ross (RHP)

Taijuan Walker (RHP)

Nabil Crismatt (RHP)

With left-hander Matt Strahm’s Opening Day status uncertain after his recent shoulder injury revelation, an extra spot in the bullpen might be up for grabs, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. Veteran Taijuan Walker seems all but assured a spot now especially with how well his spring has gone thus far, unless the Phillies find a trade partner.

The final spot could go to any number of pitchers who have looked good this spring, including Devin Sweet, John McMillon and Nabil Crismatt, all right-handers. McMillon has shown some nasty stuff in his Grapefruit League action and Sweet is already on the 40-man roster, but both have minor league options.

We’ll say that veteran Crismatt will get the first crack. The 30-year-old has allowed two runs over five innings of work and even canceled his plans to pitch in the World Baseball Classic qualifier for Colombia in hopes of making the Phillies’ roster. He has five strikeouts and one walk in his four games.

Phillies Infield

Bryce Harper (1B)

Bryson Stott (2B)

Trea Turner (SS)

Alec Bohm (3B)

J.T. Realmuto (C)

Yawn. As usual, the Phillies’ starting infield is a boring topic. Not much is going to change here, barring an injury. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and J.T. Realmuto are all sure things for their regular playing time. The Phillies will try to cut back Realmuto’s time behind the plate but will still try to get his bat in the lineup as much as possible.

Now with a healthy elbow, second baseman Bryson Stott had a slow start at the plate but is now hitting .333 with a .538 on-base percentage buoyed by his eight walks to three strikeouts in 18 at-bats. Meanwhile, third baseman Alec Bohm is already hot with three home runs and slashing .320/.379/.760 in 25 at-bats.

Phillies Outfield

Max Kepler (LF)

Brandon Marsh (CF)

Nick Castellanos (RF)

Kyle Schwarber (DH)

Newcomer Max Kepler has had a nice spring and seems settled as the everyday left fielder, at least to begin the season. Kyle Schwarber will still be the designated hitter most of the time but could see more time in left this season with the Phillies looking for more lineup flexibility.

Brandon Marsh will be given most of the center field duties to start. It’s probably his full-time job to lose if he struggles against left-handed pitching again this year. His job security might also depend on who the Phillies carry on the bench.

Phillies Bench

Rafael Marchán (C)

Edmundo Sosa (INF/OF)

Johan Rojas (OF)

Kody Clemens (INF/OF)

We’re still giving Rafael Marchán the edge over incumbent backup Garrett Stubbs, thanks to Stubbs’ remaining minor league option. Marchán is hitting .235 with a .644 OPS in eight at-bats. Stubbs has better numbers this spring, hitting .385 with a 1.067 OPS in 13 at-bats, but the Phillies run the risk of losing Marchán on waivers if they don’t give him the first shot on Opening Day.

Edmundo Sosa is making himself even more valuable to the Phillies this season by spending time in the outfield this spring. Hitting .286 with an .842 OPS, Sosa has a lock on a bench spot.

Johan Rojas still hasn’t played in the field in Grapefruit League action, thanks to a shoulder issue. But that hasn’t stopped him at the plate. He’s hitting .292 with a .953 OPS with a pair of home runs in 24 at-bats. The Phillies still say he’ll be ready for the season. If that’s true, he’ll begin the year as the fourth outfielder. Otherwise, he’ll be in Triple-A.

After frontrunner Weston Wilson hit the shelf with an oblique injury, the final bench spot looks like it might be Kody Clemens’ to lose at this point. He leads the Phillies in hits, with 10 in 27 at-bats, slashing .370/.393/.704 with a pair of homers, a double and a triple.

More Phillies news from That Ball’s Outta Here

Oct 5, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning in game one of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

PHILADELPHIA— Baseball has arrived! As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, baseball fever begins to spread across Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, down in Clearwater, the Philadelphia Phillies start their campaign for the 2025 season. The goal for this season is simple: win the World Series. Each day moves the club one step closer to that goal.

As we prepare to start the baseball season, Metro Philadelphia and Philly Sports Network combine to preview the roster. In this edition, we will break down the starting rotation for the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies.

Phillies 40-Man Roster

Before the rotation can be built, you must have an understanding of the selection at Rob Thomson‘s disposal. Like any other contending club, your 6th, 7th, and 8th starters are just as important as the starting 5. As we have seen in recent years, depth in the rotation is pivotal.

Currently, the Phillies have the following starting pitchers on their active 40-man roster:

(15) Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Joe Ross, Michael Mercado, Mick Abel, Seth Johnson, Tyler Phillips, Alan Rangel, Moises Chace, Jean Cabrera, Kyle Tyler.

While some players will get relegated to the bullpen, there will be an opportunity for most of these individuals to get starts during Spring Training. Whether that be in Grapefruit League action or on the back fields, the Phillies will be auditioning for some key depth positions.

Sep 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Starting 5

I think we can all agree that the Phillies starting rotation will consist of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo. The order in which these players might get slotted might be the only true debate this Spring.

Order Player Expected Opponent Date 1. Zack Wheeler @ Nationals 3/27 2. Cristopher Sanchez @ Nationals 3/29 3. Aaron Nola @ Nationals 3/30 4. Jesus Luzardo vs Rockies 3/31 5. Ranger Suarez vs Rockies 4/2 Note: the above table is a speculative thought on the starting rotation. This has not yet been confirmed by the Phillies organization.

Zack Wheeler should earn his second consecutive Opening Day start if all things go according to plan in Philly. Wheeler dominated once again in 2024, proving that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. After switching from Aaron Nola last season, I would expect the Phillies to continue with Zack in game one.

Cristopher Sanchez is my pick to start game two of the season, thus assuming the role of the team’s number two starter. An All-Star in 2024, Sanchez rose to new levels in his Major League career. After starting in game two of the NLDS against the Mets, I feel Rob Thomson might look to keep the same rotation heading into this season.

Jesús Luzardo spoke with the media earlier this afternoon.

I got the chance to ask him his thoughts on joining an excellent rotation. This was his response:@MetroPhilly | @PhiladelphiaSN pic.twitter.com/7encFDHU5N — Matt Watson (@MattWatsonMedia) December 30, 2024

Under this assumption, it would also mean that Aaron Nola pitches the finale of the Opening Series. Nola would take over the third starter role with the Phillies in what is set to be his 11th season in Philadelphia. Another reason why this could be the play for Rob Thomson is that it would break up the lefties and righties in his rotation. Rather than an R-R-L-L-L mix, you would get an R-L-R-L-L instead.

The fourth and fifth spots in the starting rotation for the Phillies will come down to Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez. I would expect whoever performs best in Spring Training to earn that nomination. Suarez should have the inside track due to his experience with the team, but a healthy Luzardo could rise in the internal rankings. Both pitchers can excel when healthy, so the Phillies will have to prioritize a slow build for both guys.

Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson relieves pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) against the New York Mets in the fifth inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Depth in the Rotation

Taijuan Walker and Tyler Phillips are going to go down without a fight. This early action is going to alter the course of Taijuan Walker’s big-league career. When the Phillies signed him heading into the 2023 season, the expectation was that he would anchor the back end of their rotation. After a brutal 2024 season, the Phillies are not committed to Walker being in the starting rotation.

With 32 million dollars still owed to the veteran, there is a likelihood of Philadelphia’s front office keeping him on the roster. Stashing Tai in the bullpen might be the role that he plays in 2025. His command and velocity both decreased rapidly in 2024, but if he can find some resemblance to his former self, there could be a spot for him.

If Walker shines in a starting role, the Phillies could also look to trade him to another club. Teams always need starting pitching, and this could help free a roster spot in Philadelphia. I would expect the Phillies to have to eat a portion of Taijuan’s contract to move him, but a good performance only benefits both sides.

Tyler Phillips was quite the story in 2024. With strong performances in his first three starts, including a complete game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians, Phillips was a darling in the eyes of Phillies fans. The South Jersey native had a chance to pitch for his childhood team, a story that resonates with any sports fan.

Phillips started to struggle once opposing teams had a chance to scout his game. Tyler fell out of the rotation but still played a key role for the Phils down the stretch run of the season. He got a taste of big-league hitting last season and has a chance this Spring to show what he has learned. A good campaign could help Tyler earn an Opening Day roster spot, with the chance to provide spot starts if the Phillies need him.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker after a meeting on the mound during a difficult first inning on Saturday. Read more

When the Phillies placed a four-year, $72 million wager on Taijuan Walker, they cited his performance over the last two seasons with the Mets as a reason for believing it was a sound investment.

So far, it mostly has been.

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But the Phillies also were aware of Walker’s tendency to cliff-dive in the second half. He had a 2.55 ERA in 91⅔ innings before the All-Star break last year compared with a 4.80 mark in 65⅔ innings after. In 2021, the dropoff was even more pronounced: a 2.66 ERA in 94⅔ innings before the break; 7.13 ERA in 64⅓ innings after.

» READ MORE: A no-hitter origin story: How the Phillies’ trade for Michael Lorenzen came together

So, after Walker’s average velocity on every pitch fell nearly 2 mph from his season average in Saturday’s loss to the Twins, the Phillies will give him extra rest in the hopes that they can curb another late-season slide.

Walker won’t pitch this week on a five-game road trip, manager Rob Thomson said Sunday. Instead, they will leave lefty Cristopher Sánchez in a rotation that was deepened by the deadline trade for Michael Lorenzen.

The Phillies hope the extra rest will help Walker get through what they believe is a dead-arm phase that many pitchers encounter at this point in the season. Thomson said he “would think” Walker’s next start will come during an Aug. 21-23 series at home against the Giants.

“Once we get him rest and get him in the pen and see where his stuff is at, I think we’ll have a pretty good indication at that point,” Thomson said. “We’ll see how he recoups in the next couple of days, and put the rotation together after that.”

Walker’s fastball topped out at 93.1 mph and averaged 91.2 in five innings against the Twins; his season average is 93.1 mph. His signature splitter, almost always his best pitch, maxed out at 88.6 mph and averaged 86.4; his season average is 88.2.

The decline has been a trend early in Walker’s recent starts, but it has come back in the late innings. It didn’t rebound Saturday night. Walker had command problems, too. He allowed three runs on three hits and a season-high six walks in the Phillies’ 8-1 loss.

After the game, Thomson asked Walker if he felt healthy.

“He said it’s August and he’s kind of hit a wall,” Thomson said. “So maybe he’s had that before.”

» READ MORE: Pitch call issues, a grip tweak and HOF-bound Vans: Scenes from Michael Lorenzen’s no-hitter

Walker has a 4.08 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break. He had a 4.02 mark in the first half, including a nine-start stretch in which he went 7-1 with a 2.13 ERA.

The Phillies can take it easier on Walker because of the addition of Lorenzen, who threw the 14th no-hitter in Phillies history last week, and Sánchez’s emergence as a reliable starter. Sánchez has a 3.17 ERA in 10 starts since getting called up from triple A.

It isn’t dissimilar to the depth provided last season by lefty Bailey Falter, which enabled the Phillies to give Zack Wheeler a stint on the injured list with elbow inflammation. At this point, Thomson said the Phillies haven’t discussed shutting down Walker for an extended period.

“I think the rest [this week] will do him some good,” Thomson said. “We want him with us. We want him pitching. He’s got 13 wins under his belt with a really good ERA. When he’s right, he’s one of our guys.”

Scenes from Alumni Day

The Phillies marked their annual Alumni Day by saluting pennant-winning teams from 1983 and 1993. Players from both clubs, including Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, and former ace Curt Schilling, were on hand.

A few scenes from the day:

Larry Andersen, the popular longtime radio analyst who pitched for both the ‘83 and ‘93 clubs, threw a ceremonial first pitch to 1983 catcher Ozzie Virgil.

» READ MORE: What the Phillies’ change in plans at the trade deadline could mean this season and beyond

Former second baseman Mariano Duncan (’93) caught up with Kyle Schwarber, whom he coached in the minors with the Cubs. “He’s a great player,” Duncan said. “Even though a lot of you guys may be a little bit impatient because he’s hitting .180, listen, if he goes 40 [homers] and 120 [RBI] and be in the postseason and win a World Series, it doesn’t matter.” Ricky Jordan (’93) took a picture on the field with Weston Wilson. Jordan and Wilson homered in their first major league at-bat, the former in 1988 and the latter on Wednesday night. “I said, ‘Man, how did you feel running around the bases?’” Jordan said. “He goes, ‘I don’t even remember it.’ I said, ‘That was me.’ It was like a dream come true, just floating around the bases.’ All I remember was the batboy giving me a high-five when I got to the bench. I sat down, and Mike Schmidt tapped me on the shoulder like a proud papa. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m here.’”

Extra bases

Lefty reliever José Alvarado (elbow inflammation) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday and Friday at Lehigh Valley, then could rejoin the Phillies. He hasn’t pitched since July 6. … Center fielder Cristian Pache (elbow surgery) will likely remain on assignment at Lehigh Valley for “a few more days,” according to Thomson, to get additional time in the outfield. … In need of a fresh arm in the bullpen, the Phillies recalled righty Luis Ortiz from triple A and optioned Yunior Marte. … Thomson, proud Canadian, will celebrate his 60th birthday Wednesday in Toronto. … Pitching matchups for the Phillies’ two games against the Blue Jays: Zack Wheeler (9-5, 3.74 ERA) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (9-4, 3.53) on Tuesday, and a showdown between former LSU teammates Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.49) and Kevin Gausman (9-6, 3.04) on Wednesday.

The Philadelphia Phillies awoke with their first real big move of the offseason on Sunday. As an early holiday present to fans, the team announced a trade for Miami Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo.

The Phillies sent No. 4 prospect shortstop Starlyn Caba and No. 23 prospect outfielder Emaarion Boyd to Miami in the exchange, which also saw the Phillies acquire minor league catcher/outfielder Paul McIntosh.

Despite elbow and back issues cutting his 2024 season short, the Phillies felt confident enough that Luzardo would be fully healthy and had no qualms about bringing in the 27-year-old to create possibly the top starting rotation in Major League Baseball.

Phillies projected Opening Day starting rotation after Jesús Luzardo trade

So, how will the Phillies’ starting rotation look on Opening Day in 2025 with the addition of Luzardo?

Zack Wheeler (R) Cristopher Sánchez (L) Aaron Nola (R) Ranger Suárez (L) Jesús Luzardo (L)

Luzardo slots in as a quality mid- to back-end of the rotation arm, depending on how he bounces back from a tough 2024 season. He posted a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts before landing on the 60-day IL with a lumbar back stress reaction. He also missed time with left elbow tightness.

In his two previous full seasons with the Marlins, Luzardo posted a 3.48 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 10.58 K/9 and 2.90 BB/9. He threw a career-high 178 2/3 innings in 2023, compiling a career-best 3.8 fWAR. The Phillies will be counting on the former Washington Nationals third-round draft pick to revert to his 2023 form.

The top of the Phillies 2025 rotation features undisputed staff ace Zack Wheeler who will likely take the ball on Opening Day. How manager Rob Thomson lines up the rest of his starters behind the perennial Cy Young contender will be an interesting puzzle to piece together.

Breaking up the two right-handers, Wheeler and Aaron Nola, with a lefty like Cristopher Sánchez is a possible move. Left-hander Ranger Suárez, who’s heading into a contract season, will be looking to recapture his first-half form from 2024.

Notably absent from this rotation is beleaguered veteran Taijuan Walker. With no promises made about his spot next season, Walker could find himself pushed to the bullpen as a long-man and break-glass-in-case-of-emergency rotation depth.

The Phillies expect No. 2 prospect Andrew Painter to make his MLB debut in 2025, although he won’t be with the team on Opening Day as he builds up his strength in the minors. The Phillies will be managing his innings after he missed most of two seasons with Tommy John surgery. After a blistering performance in the Arizona Fall League, the team will want to see Painter utilized at some point, but exactly how remains to be seen.

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