The simplest answer is usually right

It’s time for a thought experiment, using Occam’s razor as a guide.

Let’s try to construct the August-September-October Phillies pitching with what definitely know, probably know, and must accept not knowing.

-Zack Wheeler will be the No. 1.

-If healthy and pitching like they have thus far in 2025, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, and Cristopher Sanchez will form the next three spots in a dynamic rotation.

-Aaron Nola should return sometime around early August.

-Andrew Painter is on some sort of an innings limit, and hasn’t exactly dominated Triple-A.

-Mick Abel is allowing home runs at a high rate, and represents a possible trade chip.

-The bullpen needs two arms, one of which must provide late-inning impact and swing-and-miss stuff.

-The need for a bat could be acute by late July.

-Jose Alvarado will return from suspension in late August, but is ineligible for the postseason roster.

Do you see what I’m seeing? Is the puzzle becoming clear?