DEAL DONE: Kansas City Royals on a high rated profile deal

The Phillies are planning to give each starter in their rotation an extra day of rest. Rob Thomson informed reporters in Atlanta, including The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, that Taijuan Walker will start Friday against the Kansas City Royals. Ranger Suárez, returning from the injured list, will make his first start since July 22 on Saturday. For Sunday, the Phillies may either call up a starter from Triple-A Lehigh Valley or go with a bullpen game.

Though Zack Wheeler could have started on regular rest Sunday, the Phillies advanced his last start to Tuesday against the Braves. This season, Wheeler has started on regular rest in 10 of his 25 starts, and Aaron Nola in 11 of his 26 starts. Wheeler will now make his next start on Monday at home against the Houston Astros, with Nola set to pitch on Tuesday.

Cristopher Sánchez, who pitched a complete game against the Nationals on August 17, might benefit the most from extra rest. Between his first complete game on June 28 and his recent one, Sánchez has posted a 6.63 ERA. Having pitched 140 1/3 innings in 2024—just eight short of his total across the majors and minors last season—Sánchez will go on regular rest Thursday night against the Braves.

Regarding a potential call-up if the Phillies opt for a sixth starter, Kolby Allard is a candidate. He was sent down on August 9 and could be recalled on Sunday after spending the required 15 days in the minors. Tyler Phillips, who was optioned on August 17, is ineligible to return unless he replaces an injured pitcher. The Phillies could also consider starting bulk reliever Tyler Gilbert on Sunday, though he may be removed from the roster when Suárez is activated on Friday.