Philly Leader

Cristopher Sánchez has been chosen as the starting pitcher for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Mets. This decision comes after Sánchez's impressive performance this season, which included a contract extension, a National League Pitcher of the Month Award, and an All-Star selection. Aaron Nola will start Game 3.

Manager Rob Thomson explained the choice: "Just looking at playing the Mets, going into Citi Field, I think it's going to be a pretty hostile environment," adding that Sánchez's home/road splits made it "the smartest thing to do."

Sánchez has shown strong performance at home with a 7-3 record and a 2.21 ERA in 17 starts. However, his road performance was less effective with a 4-6 record and a 5.02 ERA in 14 outings. Sánchez acknowledged this discrepancy: “I have to work on that and get better at that.”

Thomson praised Sánchez's development: "It's really amazing the steps that he's taken... He's just grown leaps and bounds."

Aaron Nola also has favorable statistics at home but has proven his ability on the road, particularly in New York. He achieved a complete-game shutout at Citi Field earlier this season and holds a career ERA of 2.49 there since 2018.

Nola is set for his tenth playoff start on Tuesday, aiming for his third series-clinching victory if circumstances allow. Thomson commented on Nola's demeanor: "He's calm, poised -- he doesn't show much emotion."

The Phillies are optimistic about their rotation setup for this postseason run, as catcher J.T. Realmuto noted: “That’s certainly the advantage of not having to go play the Wild Card [Series]... we have them lined up the way we want to use them.”