It’s crunch time for the Philadelphia Phillies.
After falling 3-2 at home in Game 5 of the World Series, they will head back to Houston trailing in the World Series, 3-2.
The Phillies will need to pull off two consecutive wins in elimination games away from home in order to complete their magical run with a championship.
Zack Wheeler will get the start for Game 6 of the World Series on Saturday.
Manager Rob Thomson revealed his pitching plans for Games 6 and 7.
With Wheeler starting Game 6 on full rest, Thomson said he plans to have Ranger Suarez available in relief on short rest if he is needed.
Suarez is currently lined up to start Game 7 if necessary, but Thomson said that if Suarez needs to be used on Saturday, Aaron Nola will get the start in Game 7, which would ultimately be a full bullpen game for the Phils.
Zack Wheeler starts Game 6. Ranger Suarez is available
“For Game 7 we probably got both Ranger & Nola lined up. Probably not full pitch count. If we needed Ranger in Game 6, I think I'd use him.
Then we would have to go full bullpen Game 7, but Nola gets the start”-Rob Thomson pic.twitter.com/ynfyChJs1K
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 4, 2022
Thomson Reveals Pitching Plan
Thomson also stated that he plans on piggybacking both Suarez and Nola if the series reaches a Game 7.
That would be the ideal situation, to not have to burn Suarez in Game 6.
But with the Phils facing elimination, it’s all hands on deck.
If Wheeler struggles, then Thomson may have to make an emergency call to Suarez just to get some length and rest the bullpen before Game 7.
One silver lining if that happens and the Phillies survive Game 6 is that Nola only made it through four innings in Game 4 and should be well rested heading into Game 7, even if he only starts on three days rest.
NEXT: Phillies Analyst Demands Change In Game 6