Rob Thomson reveals likely starting rotation order to open the season

Phillies manager Rob Thomson revealed the likely starting rotation order to begin the season during an in-game interview Friday afternoon.

In a conversation with Scott Franzke and Ruben Amaro Jr. on NBC Sports Philadelphia's broadcast of Friday's Minnesota Twins-Phillies Grapefruit League game, Thomson said "I think the way we'll go" is with the following order to begin the season. 

Opening Day 3/27 vs. Washington Nationals at Nationals Park: Zack Wheeler

3/29 vs. Nationals at Nationals Park: Jesús Luzardo

3/30 vs. Nationals at Nationals Park: Aaron Nola

Home Opener 3/31 vs. Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park: Cristopher Sánchez

4/2 vs. Rockies at Citizens Bank Park: Zack Wheeler

4/3 vs. Rockies at Citizens Bank Park: No. 5 starter

Obviously, we don't yet know who the No. 5 starter will be for the Phillies. Ranger Suárez (back stiffness) felt better Thursday, Thomson revealed to reporters in Clearwater, including Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Thomson said on the broadcast today was another "no throw day" for Suárez, with the plan being to re-evaluate him tomorrow. 

Pushing the first time that the No. 5 spot will be used this season until the second cycle through the order gives Suárez some additional time to prepare, assuming he doesn't ultimately wind up on the injured list. 

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If Suárez isn't able to make that start, it will presumably go to Taijuan Walker. In theory, Joe Ross could also be a candidate. For what it's worth, that April 3 game against the Rockies is a 1:05 ET start time, as opposed to March 31 being the home opener and April 2 being the first night game at Citizens Bank Park this season. 

Elsewhere, Thomson said early on this spring that he would likely break up Wheeler and Nola, along with Luzardo and Sánchez. That will happen, with Luzardo making his Phillies debut on the road against the Nationals, while Sánchez — who was an All-Star last season, but much better at home — getting the ball for the first game at Citizens Bank Park in 2025. 

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