Phillies Shift Strategy: Opener Set for Wednesday Against Cubs

The Philadelphia Phillies are tweaking their starting rotation during the series in Chicago against the Cubs this coming week.

A New Approach: The Opener Strategy in Chicago

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson announced before the Phillies matchup with the Atlanta Braves on Sunday that they will use an opener on Wednesday.  Thomson did not name his opener, but Taijuan Walker will enter the game out of the bullpen.

Why Taijuan Walker is Moving to the Bullpen

The right-hander has struggled this season, especially in the first inning of games, and carries a 9.16 ERA and 2.04 WHIP on the season.

Zack Wheeler’s Path Back: Rehab Struggles in Reading

Walker's time in the rotation could be on life support with Zack Wheeler's imminent return.  However, the ace right-hander struggled in a rehab start on Sunday, going four innings, allowing four earned runs for Double-A Reading.

Lineup Shuffles: Sunday Night Changes Against Atlanta

Felix Reyes, who supplied the only run in the game on Saturday night in his major league debut, is out of the lineup with Justin Crawford back in center field and Brandon Marsh in left. Bryson Stott is back in the lineup, at second base, and Rafael Marchan is catching for JT Realmuto, who left Saturday's game with a stiff back.

You can listen to the Phillies and Braves on Sunday Night Baseball on 97.3 ESPN with coverage at 6:30 and first pitch at 7:20.