MLB announces crew chiefs for Wild Card Series umpire crews

The Philadelphia Phillies secured a postseason spot after a near perfect collapse, winning against the Tampa Bay Rays. Zack Wheeler was the starter, leaving no one available for Game 1 of the Wild Card round. Cristopher Sanchez and Aaron Nola were ruled out, but Andrew Painter could potentially play a significant role. However, Painter is known for being a shaky starter, so the Phillies might not want to take that risk.

In a surprising move, Jesus Luzardo is set to be the opener, with Painter in the bullpen. This plan is risky, given Luzardo's recent return from the injured list, but it comes with potential rewards. Luzardo, a Cy Young contender this season, would face the Braves' first group of hitters in the bottom of the first inning. The Phillies will monitor his performance, with the possibility of him extending his start, should he perform well.

Painter will follow, potentially playing a bulk role in subsequent innings, providing a smoother transition into the game. Despite the risks, this strategy could yield significant upside, potentially enabling the Phillies to dominate the first five or more innings, and possibly beyond.