Apr 17, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The dodging of the fastest bullet the Phillies have faced this season will be completed tomorrow when Cristopher Sanchez returns to the mound for the first time since leaving a game early in New York last week with forearm soreness.
It has been trending toward Sanchez returning during this homestand. The Phillies could have pushed him as far back as Sunday, but the Phillies don't want to skip him for too long, so Sanchez will square off against the Nationals on Wednesday.
He threw for a brief session in the outfield prior to Tuesday's game. It's what they call a "touch and feel" session, which is just a light throwing period on flat ground.
With Sanchez in line tomorrow, Taijuan Walker will pitch on Thursday. Beyond that, it's a wait and see.
#Phillies manager Rob Thomson providing the latest about Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, Brandon Marsh and Andrew Painter. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/pa3fs2c1ck
(Note: Don't believe that bit about Painter going to Triple-A. Apparently, Rob misspoke. Although, it seems like it's happening really soon.)
The Phillies wanted to give Jesus Luzardo an extra day of rest, and he'll get at least one with Walker going Thursday.
But does that mean he'll definitely pitch Friday?
The answer to that question will likely be answered after Ranger Suarez throws a bullpen session at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow.
Suarez could rejoin the rotation this weekend if he checks out OK in that bullpen session.
If so, the Phillies will then have to decide where Suarez would slot into the rotation.
The Phillies could possibly go to a six-man rotation, but that would leave them an arm short in the bullpen, and they would have to start getting creative with moving guys around if arms are needed.
"You (would) have to have some flexibility with your bullpen arms," manager Rob Thomson said. "Where you can send guys down if you need an arm. Those are the things we're always talking about and all the little things that can influence a decision whether to go to a six-man rotation or not."
In unrelated news, Brandon Marsh saw the doctor today. If he gets cleared, he'll be sent back out on a rehab assignment, but Thomson said it probably wouldn't be a long assignment.
