Rob Thomson reveals pitching plans for remainder of World Series

Following the postponement of Game 3 of the World Series, Rob Thomson met the media and revealed his starting pitchers for the remainder of the series:

• Game 3 on Tuesday: Ranger Suárez
• Game 4 on Wednesday: Aaron Nola
• Game 5 on Thursday: Noah Syndergaard or Kyle Gibson in the event Syndergaard is used out of the bullpen in Game 3 or 4.
• Friday: TRAVEL DAY
• Game 6 on Saturday (If necessary): Zack Wheeler
• Game 7 on Sunday (If necessary): Ranger Suárez

Thomson said after the game that Syndergaard will start Game 5, which will be a bullpen game, but if the Phillies use him in either Game 3 or Game 4, they could start Kyle Gibson.

Gibson has appeared in one postseason game for the Phillies. He threw a scoreless inning and a third in Game 2 of the NLCS. Thomson said Gibson is good for about 60-65 pitches. His last extended outing came on Oct. 1, where he allowed seven earned runs over six innings against the Washington Nationals.

If the Phillies drop the first two at home against Houston, they’ll need their entire bullpen to avoid elimination — which is not great if you’re the Phillies. On the other hand, at least one bullpen game was going to be inevitable and the Phillies are in a better spot if they can “empty” out their bullpen before a scheduled travel day. It also gives Wheeler an extra day of rest. His velocity — and overall effectiveness — was down in Game 1. Thomson acknowledged the velocity dip as a reason for not moving Wheeler’s start up.

Thomson also made it clear that Wheeler is healthy and is just dealing with fatigue.

While Suárez is lined up to pitch Game 7, you have to think that Aaron Nola on three days rest will factor in to a possible winner-take-all game.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Lance McCullers Jr, who was scheduled to pitch Game 3, will take the mound tomorrow. Cristian Javier “probably” has Game 4.

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