The Philadelphia Phillies have mapped out their starting rotation for the opening series after the All-Star break, with Zack Wheeler lined up to face the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of pitching immediately. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Aaron Nola will start Thursday against the New York Mets, Jesús Luzardo will pitch Saturday and Alan Rangel is scheduled for Sunday, leaving Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez for next week's marquee series against Los Angeles.
The decision comes after Wheeler declined a late All-Star invitation following his omission from the original National League roster. Because he started Philadelphia's final game before the break, he also would not have been available to pitch in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, making the extra rest a logical move.
The Phillies appear focused on having their top two starters fully available for one of their biggest matchups of the second half. Wheeler has been among baseball's best pitchers this season, while Sánchez has also anchored one of the league's strongest rotations.
Nola will receive the ball in the series opener as he looks to bounce back after an inconsistent finish to the first half. Luzardo follows after earning his first All-Star selection, while rookie Alan Rangel rounds out the weekend rotation.
Philadelphia's strategy keeps Wheeler and Sánchez on regular rest while positioning both aces against a Dodgers lineup expected to be one of the toughest tests on the schedule.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Phillies entered the All-Star break among the National League's top contenders behind one of baseball's deepest starting staffs. Saving Wheeler and Sánchez for Los Angeles underscores the importance the club places on that upcoming series.
If the rotation stays intact, Philadelphia will open the second half with Nola, Luzardo and Rangel before turning to Wheeler and Sánchez against the Dodgers in what could be an early postseason-style matchup.
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