Phillies Make Strategic Lineup Changes for Pivotal NLDS Game 4

NEW YORK — As the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in a crucial Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), the team has made strategic lineup changes to enhance offensive performance. Facing a must-win situation, manager Rob Thomson has opted to start Bryson Stott at second base and Brandon Marsh in center field against the opposing left-hander Jose Quintana.

Traditionally, both Stott and Marsh have been substituted out against left-handers throughout the season. Stott had typically been replaced by Edmundo Sosa, while Johan Rojas usually took the spot of Marsh. However, this time, the Phillies are banking on exploiting Quintana’s relative struggles against left-handed batters, as evidenced by his .255 batting average and .757 OPS against them this season. “We’ve got to try to get as much offense in there as possible,” Thomson explained four hours before the first pitch. “Stott’s good against lefties. Marsh’s at-bats against lefties the last month have been really good. Kind of switch it up.”

Thomson’s decision indicates a shift towards maximizing offensive opportunities. Bryson Stott will bat seventh, while Brandon Marsh takes the ninth spot. Meanwhile, Weston Wilson will start in left field in place of Austin Hays, who struggled in Game 3 against Sean Manaea, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. “I talked to Austin; it’s a little unfair for him because he hasn’t had a whole lot of reps,” added Thomson, referencing Hays’ recent recovery from health issues.

The adjustment in the lineup comes at a time when Jose Quintana is in peak form. Over his last six starts, Quintana boasts a 4-1 record with a remarkable 0.74 ERA and has not conceded a home run since August 20. Despite this, the Phillies are optimistic, recognizing Quintana’s potential for wildness and ability to be hit. In their previous encounters, while Quintana delivered seven scoreless innings against them on September 13, he also struggled in an earlier meeting in June, failing to close out the fourth inning.

Manager Rob Thomson emphasizes the importance of discipline in the face of Quintana’s strategy to induce swings outside the strike zone. “Quintana’s more of trying to get chase, less velocity,” said Thomson. “We’ve got to be disciplined. We have to be.”