The Phillies won’t say it out loud—but Cristopher Sánchez knows it. Monday night in San Francisco isn’t just another start. It’s a statement game.
He’s not going to Atlanta. Not yet. Not officially. But if the National League’s All-Star staff is missing anything, it’s a left-hander with a 2.68 ERA, 108 strikeouts, and a streak of seven straight starts allowing two runs or fewer. That’s Sánchez.
And now, he opens a six-game California swing by facing the Giants at Oracle Park—on the heels of one of the best stretches of his career.
In his last outing, Sánchez carved up the Padres for seven innings of one-run ball. Before that? Dominant again. Game after game, he’s looked every bit the frontline starter the Phillies hoped they were developing. And unlike the days when he was just throwing fastballs and hoping for the best, Sánchez now knows how to pitch.
The changeup has become his calling card. The poise is real. And this season, so are the results: 7-2 record. Sub-3 ERA. Batters guessing. Hitters chasing. The All-Star tag didn’t come this time, but don’t be surprised if it’s still coming.
He’s been here before. Last year, he didn’t make the team initially either—then got the call after a couple names dropped out. That script could easily repeat itself.
And if you’re wondering whether Sánchez likes facing the Giants? Try this: 2-0, 1.53 ERA in four career appearances. He hasn’t just been good against San Francisco—he’s been borderline untouchable.
He’ll face right-hander Landen Roupp, who has helped the Giants win his last three starts. Roupp faced the Phillies back in April and gave up four runs in five innings, though San Francisco slugged their way to a 10-4 win. Nick Castellanos took him deep.
San Francisco comes in swinging, having scored 28 runs over their last five games while winning four of them. Shortstop Willy Adames, buried at .211 not long ago, has 9 hits and 8 RBI during that stretch and is suddenly pulling his season line out of the gutter.
For the Phillies, though, Monday night is about Sánchez. He doesn’t have to say he was snubbed. His line says it for him.
But he can say this: he’s better than he was a year ago, when he did make the All-Star team. And on Monday night, with the lights low and the West Coast watching, he’ll have another chance to prove it.
Pitching Matchup
Monday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (7-2, 2.68) vs. RHP Landen Roupp (6-5, 3.48)
Tuesday: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.64) vs. LHP Robbie Ray (9-3, 2.68)
Wednesday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (7-5, 4.44) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (0-6, 4.84)
Two Stars
Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler will represent the Phillies in next week's All-Star Game in Atlanta. Others, such as Sanchez, could still be added to the roster.
