Phillies Notebook: Rob Thomson on roster and rotation for Wild Card Round

The Phillies return to the postseason for the second season in a row on Tuesday, but there are still some questions that need to be answered.

At least two of them were on Wednesday by Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

First, we’re not sure yet who the Phillies will be hosting, but it looks more and more like it will be Arizona in a best-of-three series.

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And now we know that Zack Wheeler will pitch Game 1 and Aaron Nola will pitch Game 2, Thomson did not announce who would start Game 3 if needed, but have multiple options if there is a third game. Though Ranger Suárez seems the likely choice Cristopher Sánchez has put his name in the conversation.

Thomson also announced that the team will go with a closer-by-committee approach moving forward, with Craig Kimbrel and Jose Alvarado the likely options in closing situations.

The wild card names here are 22-year old Orion Kerkering who has appeared in just one game, but was the teams Minor League Pitcher of the year. Jeff Hoffman has emerged as a solid bullpen arm and could be an option in late inning situations. Seranthony Dominguez was a star and key during last years run to the World Series, but has been very inconsistent this season.

The last thing Thomson revealed was that Bryce Harper will play first base during the playoffs, meaning Johan Rojas could play centerfield most days with Brandon Marsh moving over to left with Kyle Schwarber in the DH role.

Listen to the Phillies in the Wild Card on 97.3 ESPN.