Phillies Starting Rotation Set for Opening Weekend

It looks like the Phillies will have their big offseason addition, Zach Wheeler this Saturday when they face the Miami Marlins and have elected to begin the shortened 2020 season with a traditional five-man pitching rotation.

There was a potential for Wheeler to miss a start or two, but his wife gave birth Monday according to Phillies manager Joe Girardi, meaning he will be good to go this weekend.

The decision allows Girardi to set his rotation with Aaron Nola and Wheeler at the top of the rotation and the surprising Vince Velasquez getting the ball on Sunday against the Marlins. After throwing on Wednesday, Jake Arrieta will start against the Yankees on Monday.

Once the Wheeler decision was cleared up, and Girardi elected to go with Velasquez over Arrieta, the last decision will be who will be the team's No. 5 starter, Zach Eflin or Nick Pivetta.

The likely candidate is Eflin, who has been dealing with back spasms, will throw a simulated game on Thursday to see if he is ready for the start on Tuesday against the Yankees.