At this point in the game, we don’t know who the Phillies will be playing yet once the October games begin. We know that they have a division title, so the games will open at home. We know that they have at least a 95% chance of clinching a badly needed first round bye, which would help with the nicks and bruises currently plaguing the roster. So, projecting a roster for the first round the Phillies play can be tricky. However, we can probably assume a few things:

They don’t need thirteen pitchers in a three or five game series – That means we’re going to project the team carries four starters. While the fourth starter doesn’t really make sense in a wild card round, I feel pretty safe in saying they’re starting their October run in the Division Series

Everyone will be healthy(ish) – While there are a some important players on the injured list right now, they’ll be ready to go when the playoff bell rings

That said, here is the first go at projecting the roster the Phillies will use in the first round they play.

Advertisement

Catcher – J.T. Realmuto

No need to overcomplicate this one.

Infield – Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm

These either. The hope is that Turner’s hamstring injury is stable enough that he is able to play the game the way he usually plays, without the fear that something will give way again. They can overcome his injury right now with such a large lead in the race for a bye, but once the playoffs begin, the task would probably be near impossible.

Outfield – Brandon Marsh, Harrison Bader, Max Kepler, Kyle Schwarber (DH)

It’s quite impressive that the members of the outfield here are playing well enough, regardless of opponent, that Nick Castellanos is now rendered an afterthought.

Advertisement

Bench – Rafael Marchan, Edmundo Sosa, Nick Castellanos, Weston Wilson, Johan Rojas

The team will have the luxury of having an extra bench player without the need for a fifth starter and the rules a bit more lax about how many pitchers are needed. Having Rojas show up and play means that Castellanos can be used as a pinch hitter during a needed time and the team doesn’t have to sacrifice defense by giving him a glove. Just put Rojas in. Choosing Wilson over Otto Kemp is probably a toss up as neither will probably see the field, but Wilson probably has a touch more power, an attribute that is vital in the playoffs.

Starters – Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola

Nola won’t see a mound until a theoretical Championship Series, assuming the team makes it that far. The additional off day helps make that decision easier.

Advertisement

Relievers – Jhoan Duran, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, David Robertson, Tanner Banks, Walker Buehler, Tim Mayza, Max Lazar

Not a bunch of surprises here, though the last spot that Lazar would theoretically occupy could be had by Lou Trivino if you want. Buehler getting a nod here might be surprising, but the team would probably rather bet on his stuff playing out of the bullpen than someone like Taijuan Walker.

What, you think Jordan Romano is going to magically see his finger get healed?