Cristopher Sánchez to start on Opening Day for Phillies

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The matchup is set for Opening Day.

Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, a rising star over the past few seasons, will make the first Opening Day start of his career when the Phillies take on the Texas Rangers next Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, as announced by Major League Baseball on Friday. He’ll face right-hander Nathan Eovaldi in the interleague contest at 4:15 p.m.

With Zack Wheeler sidelined as he recovers from surgery to correct the thoracic outlet syndrome he was diagnosed with last season, Sánchez took on the role of Philadelphia’s ace and started Game 1 of the 2025 National League Division Series. Now, the lefty will throw the first game of the regular season, the latest benchmark he’s reached during his continued ascension.

Once an inconsistent swingman on the fringe of the Phillies’ roster, Sánchez broke out during the 2023 season after he joined the rotation by necessity. He took the next step the following year, earning an appearance in the All-Star Game. Last season, Sánchez took another jump as he posted a 2.50 ERA in 2-2 innings across 32 starts to finish as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award.

Sánchez’s nod was a no-brainer decision for the Phillies. There is certainly talent on the club’s starting staff, but Sánchez is the clear top arm with Wheeler on the shelf — and he has the spot in the rotation to prove it.