Phillies Opening Day Lineup: Sánchez Starts, Crawford and García Debut

Analyzing the 2026 Opening Day Lineup

Philadelphia Phillies opening day is here.

The much-anticipated first lineup of the 2026 MLB season has arrived ahead of Thursday’s 4:15 p.m. game against the Texas Rangers.

The New Additions: Justin Crawford and Adolis García

The good news is the gang’s all here, with a few notable additions: Adolis García and Justin Crawford were added to the lineup, replacing Max Kepler and Nick Castellano.

Other than that, many of the same names are back for another season.

Here is today's Lineup

1. Turner 6
2. Schwarber DH
3. Harper 3
4. Bohm 5
5. Stott 4
6. García 9
7. Marsh 7
8. Realmuto 2
9. Crawford 8
LHP Sánchez

Stability at the Top: Turner, Schwarber, and Harper

The Phillies enter the 2026 season without many questions about the lineup, with Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm all back in the top four spots.

Bryson Stott, who hit mostly in the No. 9 spot last season, starts in the No. 5 spot with BrandonMarsh hitting No. 7 and J.T Realmuto hitting eighth.

On the Hill: Cristopher Sánchez Takes the Ace Mantle

The Phillies will send this lineup out against Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. The Phillies will counter with left-hander Cristopher Sánchez to the mound today, making his first-ever Opening Day start.

The Phillies new ace is coming off a season with a career-best 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts across 202 innings over 32 starts.

Join us at The Anchorage in Somers Point for our Opening Day Watch Party to watch this lineup in action!