Phillies postseason mailbag: Platoons, Thomson, Turner’s readiness, Castellanos and Nola’s role

Phillies Nation writers Ty Daubert and Destiny Lugardo answer your Phillies postseason questions ahead of Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 4.

As always, thank you reading all season long. We look forward to covering another Red October in Philadelphia.

Twitter @SixersAdam: In a hypothetical postseason game in which the Phillies face a lefty starter, do you think Thomson will still leave Castellanos in for the remainder of the game, or will he use a pinch hitter if a righty comes in against him for a big spot?

In early September, when it became apparent that the Phillies were sticking to a more strict platoon in right field, I asked Thomson in Miami if he would be open to removing Castellanos for a pinch hitter late in the games he starts if tasked with facing a tough righty reliever. His response?

“I doubt if I would,” Thomson said then.

But maybe that’s different in the postseason. Thomson and the Phillies spent the summer easing into Castellanos’ reduction in playing time as he continued to struggle. Eventually, they started replacing him on defense again. Eventually, they started platooning. Perhaps they eventually start pinch hitting for him in unfavorable matchups when the games matter most.

It could be in Philadelphia’s favor to do so. While Max Kepler, who would likely be available off the bench in a scenario like this, and Castellanos actually had similar season splits against right-handed pitchers (.704 OPS vs. .701 OPS), the lefty-hitting Kepler had a much stronger second half and would have the theoretical platoon advantage. Additionally, Kepler is a much more capable outfielder, which would make the late-game defense better after making the move at the plate. — Ty Daubert

Facebook Robert Rosen: How do you think Aaron Nola will be used? 

Aaron Nola will likely make his first postseason start in the NLCS – if the Phillies advance. With the off day in between Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, the Phillies can bring Sánchez back for a potential Game 4. Whoever starts Game 2 will pitch in Game 5. Maybe Nola sits in the bullpen during the Division Series. Maybe there is a situation where they have no choice but to use Nola out of the bullpen. But it’s clear that the Phillies are more comfortable using Nola as a starter. Since he is not one of the Phillies’ best three starters, we likely won’t see him in the Division Series.  — Destiny Lugardo

Facebook Katniss Singer: Why do you think there is such a disparity on how fans view (Rob Thomson)? Does he deserve Manager of the Year consideration?

I will make the argument that Thomson should win National League Manager of the Year. The award is typically given out to the manager of a team who exceeds expectations. There is something to be said about a team meeting very high expectations year-after-year. The Phillies overcame some real adversity with Zack Wheeler missing the end of the season. Thomson has kept his team together, despite some dissent within. 

Fans and media will always find something to complain about when it comes to the manager. I have been critical of Thomson in the past for his platoons and postseason bullpen moves, but he’s still one of the best managers in the sport. The Phillies’ record since he took over (346-251) speaks for itself. — Destiny Lugardo

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Thomson would not be my personal choice for NL Manager of the Year in 2025, and that’s really not a knock on the job he did this year. Thomson’s Phillies had expectations this season, and they met them with a stellar regular season.

Overall, Thomson is a popular figure who draws a large ovation when Dan Baker announces his name at Citizens Bank Park. But to me, it makes sense that there’s some disparity in opinion on the manager. Stylistically, many Philadelphia fans would prefer a classic, old-school red ass, someone who will rip into umpires, call out his players and bark at reporters. That’s not Thomson. He stays laid back and puts the trust into his players – and not just the starting nine. He’ll stick even with his short-side platoon hitters, which might bother some fans who would prefer to see the regulars play every single day.

Perhaps Thomson’s patience has been to a fault at times. He stuck with Craig Kimbrel too long in 2023. He went back to Jeff Hoffman in 2024. Those decisions to continue riding with his guys didn’t work out.

But Thomson’s promotion to manager in 2022 was the exact inflection point that kicked off what has become one of the three best stretches in Phillies franchise history. The club has made the postseason four straight times under the current manager and reached the World Series in his first year. Thomson has proven he can guide this Phillies team to sustained success. The only thing left to accomplish is a championship, and time will tell if Thomson’s team can win one. — Ty Daubert

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Facebook Paul Rudman: Will the Phillies continue to platoon guys like Stott, Sosa, (Castellanos), Kepler and Marsh during the playoffs? Over/under on how many fans whine about it if they do.

The Phillies will not shy away from platoons in the postseason. The left-handed hitters will start against right-handed starters. The right-handed hitters will start against left-handed starters. The more interesting discussion is how Thomson deploys his bench in the middle of games when opposing teams go to the bullpen. If Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson/ Otto Kemp start against a lefty, Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh will come into the game to face the first right-handed reliever. Castellanos will probably finish any game he starts. Kepler has not come off the bench as a pinch hitter in a non-blowout since July 5. If the game is close and Kepler is due up to face a lefty reliever – and the opposing team does not have a righty warming up to counter Thomson – Castellanos could come off the bench to pinch hit. 

I can guarantee that at least one of Thomson’s pinch hit decisions in the NLDS will be heavily scrutinized. — Destiny Lugardo

Facebook Roto Rob: Is it wrong to be worried about Trea Turner considering he’s rusty and has generally struggled in the playoffs throughout his career?

This is interesting. Trea Turner has a career .690 OPS in the postseason. The sample size is 269 plate appearances. He had 639 plate appearances during the regular season in 2025. As a Phillie, he has a .906 OPS in 72 postseason plate appearances. Rust has to be a factor for everyone coming off the five-day layoff. 

Turner did face live pitching during the final week of the season and play in the final game of the regular season. What’s more concerning is whether or not Turner trusts his hamstring enough to run at full speed. He was hustling down the first-base line during the intrasquad game on Wednesday. Take that as a good sign. — Destiny Lugardo

Phillies Nation’s Ty Daubert contributed to this report.