Philly Leader

The final week of the Phillies’ regular season holds significance even after securing the NL East title on Monday. The Phillies (93-65) aim to clinch a first-round bye in the postseason. They left Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night two losses behind the 93-63 Dodgers for the No. 1 seed, following a 10-4 loss to the Cubs. However, they are well-positioned to secure the No. 2 seed with a combination of two wins or two Brewers losses.

Philadelphia is also working on setting its 26-man postseason roster, which will include outfielder Austin Hays, reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Right-hander Taijuan Walker is unlikely to be included after allowing three runs on four hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings in relief.

Walker has struggled this season with a 7.10 ERA, the highest for any Phillies pitcher since 1931 (minimum 80 innings). It is also the seventh-highest ERA in Major League Baseball over the past decade. He was moved from the rotation to the bullpen earlier this month but returned last week against the Mets at Citi Field without success and was subsequently sent back to the bullpen.

Manager Rob Thomson commented on Walker's performance: “It’s kind of putting him in a tough spot, he’s never done that,” Thomson said. “But we’ve got to find out [if he can do it].”

The Phillies may carry a 12-man pitching staff into the postseason, providing them with eight relievers. Seven relievers are confirmed: right-handers Carlos Estévez, Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz; and left-handers Matt Strahm, José Alvarado and Tanner Banks.

Thomson noted that they have enough pitchers capable of pitching two-plus innings and don’t necessarily need someone built up like a starter unless needed for an extra-inning game or blowout loss: “We’re good with that,” Thomson said. “I think the way our guys are, Ruiz can go two, whoever that last guy [is] will be able to give us two or three.”

The final spot could go to left-hander Kolby Allard or right-hander Spencer Turnbull. Allard struck out five but allowed four runs on five hits and one walk in four innings recently. Turnbull has not pitched since late June but is scheduled for a live batting practice session on Friday.

Turnbull could be valuable in postseason play according to team assessments.

Hays’ return comes after recovering from a kidney infection diagnosed in early September while he was already sidelined due to a strained left hamstring since early August.

“I really, truly physically just feel like Austin Hays again,” Hays said after going 1-for-4 upon his return. “My body feels great, mentally I feel really good, and what I can bring to this team and contribute.”

Acquired from Baltimore on July 26, Hays became Philadelphia’s everyday left fielder despite showing better performance against left-handed pitchers (.941 OPS) compared to right-handed pitchers (.548 OPS). In postseason play, Hays might find himself in a platoon situation with Brandon Marsh who performs better against righties (.806 OPS).

Johan Rojas remains Philadelphia’s best defender and could see significant time in center field as noted by Thomson regarding Rojas' contributions during Monday’s NL East clincher.

Cal Stevenson may also join the postseason roster despite being optioned on Tuesday to make room for Hays; he will be eligible before the NL Division Series starts.

Weston Wilson and Kody Clemens provide additional bench options capable of playing left field as well.