As the Philadelphia Phillies prepare for the National League Division Series (NLDS), one of the final tasks on their checklist is selecting the last pitcher for their postseason roster. With their opponent yet to be determined—whether it’s the Milwaukee Brewers or New York Mets—the decision on who to bring into the mix could hinge on matchup specifics. However, one name that won’t make the cut is right-hander Taijuan Walker, who seems to be left out of postseason plans altogether.
Another notable absence from the roster is left-hander Tyler Gilbert, who was optioned on September 29. Due to the 15-day waiting period following the optioning of a player, Gilbert won’t be eligible for the NLDS roster. Additionally, Nick Nelson, another potential candidate, is unlikely to make the roster for the NLDS but could be considered in later rounds if the Phillies advance.
So who will secure that final spot? Several names are being floated, each offering different strengths depending on the matchup.
Kolby Allard: A Reliable Left-Handed Option
Left-hander Kolby Allard has emerged as a frontrunner for the final pitching spot, especially if the Phillies are keen on adding another southpaw to the bullpen. Allard’s ability to work in long relief and his success against left-handed hitters could be crucial if the Phillies face a lineup that struggles against lefties.
In 2024, Allard posted a 2-0 record with a 5.00 ERA and 23 strikeouts over seven appearances, including four starts. As a reliever, he’s shown slightly better control with a 4.50 ERA and 3.77 FIP, compared to his 5.29 ERA and 5.34 FIP as a starter. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, as he’s proven he can pitch multiple innings and bridge the gap between starters and late-inning relievers.
Max Lazar: A Right-Handed Bullpen Contender
If the Phillies decide they need a right-handed option to complement their bullpen, Max Lazar could be a strong choice. Lazar’s 2024 season was a tale of two halves—he was flawless early on, not allowing an earned run in his first seven appearances. However, he stumbled in his final four outings, giving up seven earned runs over 7 1/3 innings.
Despite the late-season struggles, Lazar’s ability to provide length out of the bullpen and his reliability early in the year could keep him in the conversation, especially if the Phillies face a lineup that favors right-handers.
Spencer Turnbull: A Risk-Reward Candidate
Perhaps the most intriguing option is right-hander Spencer Turnbull, who has been recovering from an injury but remains in contention for the final spot. Turnbull posted an impressive 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA in 2024, striking out 58 batters over 17 outings (seven starts).
While he only pitched one inning in an intrasquad game on October 2, Turnbull’s performance when healthy makes him a tempting option. However, Phillies manager Rob Thomson has expressed concerns about whether Turnbull is fully ready for postseason action. The NLDS roster can accommodate 12 pitchers, so if the Phillies opt for Turnbull, it’s possible they’ll carry both him and another reliever like Allard or Lazar.
Tough Decisions Ahead for the Phillies
As the Phillies inch closer to finalizing their NLDS roster, the decision on who will secure the last pitching spot could come down to the wire. Each candidate offers something unique—whether it’s Allard’s left-handed versatility, Lazar’s early-season dominance, or Turnbull’s high upside when healthy. While it’s unclear who the Phillies will face in the NLDS, one thing is certain: they’ll need every bit of pitching depth to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Whoever gets the call will need to be ready, as the stakes couldn’t be higher.
