Phillies and Rockies series preview, notes, and pitching matchups

The Phillies did what they were supposed to do in Washington, taking two of three to open the season. The Nationals are a team on the rise, but they're not quite there yet. The offense flashed some pop in the first two games, and both Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott bounced back nicely after tough Opening Days. Now the Rockies come to town, fresh off dropping two of three to Tampa and struggling to score—just eight runs in the series. This series sets the table for the Phillies as they prep for a huge weekend against the Dodgers.

Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Phillies Record: 2-1
Rockies Record: 1-2

1. The Big Picture

The Phillies did what they were supposed to do—take two of three from a Nationals team that isn’t exactly shaping up to be a factor in the NL East race. Now, they get the Rockies, another team unlikely to shake up the standings. But here’s why this series matters: it’s the springboard to a massive weekend showdown with the Dodgers.

No, it won’t make or break the season. Not in April. But it’s an early measuring stick against a team everyone expects to be standing in the way come October. A team built for the World Series. A team the Phillies will have to go through if they want to get where they believe they belong.

So, no, the Rockies aren’t the main event. But if the Phillies can build some momentum now, they’ll roll into a series with Los Angeles with a chance to make a statement. And that? That could mean a whole lot down the road.

2. The A-B-C Storylines
A. Could this be a breakout year for Cristopher Sanchez?
We already know Sanchez is good, but the real question is—can he take it to another level? His Spring Training was nothing short of magnificent: a 1.62 ERA over 16 2/3 innings with 19 strikeouts. He finished seventh in baseball in fWAR among pitchers. Last season, he threw 181 2/3 innings, posted a 3.32 ERA, and struck out 153 while walking just 37. And for the first time, he even got Cy Young votes. The next step? Well, that could be a game changer. We could see the start of something special on Monday afternoon.

B. What will the Phillies get with Taijuan Walker?
With Ranger Suarez out until at least mid-April due to lower back stiffness, Walker is likely to hold down a spot in the rotation. There was some optimism after a better spring following a dreadful 2024, but a couple of rough outings at the end of camp left him with a 7.41 ERA and hitters blasting him at a .342 clip. Walker is at a crossroads. He'll need to shake off the rough finish in Clearwater, tune out the noise, and put together a solid stretch. The leash, though? It’s going to be short.

C. A rough start for J.T. Realmuto. 
Realmuto is off to a rough start, going 1-for-9 with four strikeouts. He was pulled in the seventh inning on Saturday and sat out Sunday with a foot contusion. The good news? He’s expected back in the lineup on Monday.

3. The Matchups
Monday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP German Marquez (0-0, 0.00)
Time: 3:05pm | Weather: 75-degrees with rain in the area

Wednesday: RHP Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50) vs. LHP Kyle Freeland (0-0, 0.00)
Time: 6:45pm | Weather: 50-degrees and cloudy

Thursday: RHP Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Antonio Senzatela (0-0, 0.00)
Time: 1:35pm | Weather: 70-degrees and cloudy

4. The Key Number

.295 - Opponents' batting average against Phillies relievers

It's early, sure, but 13 hits and three walks over 10 2/3 innings is hard to ignore. Jordan Romano had a rough debut on Opening Day, and he’ll probably see some action this series. Getting a clean outing under his belt would be a step in the right direction—both for him and for a fanbase that might be a little too close to already contemplating a jump off the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

5. What to Watch For

Trea Turner (back stiffness) will sit out Monday but should be back in the lineup when the series resumes on Wednesday. In the meantime, Edmundo Sosa will remain in the lineup - he's 4-for-8 with an RBI.   

Closing Thought:
The Rockies? They’re just the undercard. The Dodgers are the headliners. But if the Phillies want to be ready for the champs this weekend, this is where they build the momentum. Taking two of three? That’s the expectation.