Overview
- The Phillies opened their Arizona series with J.T. Realmuto out of the August 31 lineup and Garrett Stubbs starting at catcher while Brandon Marsh returned to left field.
- For the September 1 game, manager Don Mattingly again adjusted the lineup for a lefty-lefty pitching matchup by resting Brandon Marsh and inserting Edmundo Sosa in left field, with Realmuto listed as the starter behind the plate.
- Philadelphia scheduled Jesús Luzardo to start the second game of the series and turned to right-hander Andrew Painter as the scheduled starter for the Sept. 2 series finale.
- Those short-term lineup moves reflect a deliberate platoon and workload plan to preserve All-Star Brandon Marsh and primary catcher Realmuto as the team chases the division and defends a top National League wild-card spot.
- The tactical choices come as the Phillies are on a multi-game winning streak, have closed ground on Atlanta in the NL East, and will begin a four-game series against the Braves that could shape final playoff positioning.