Fresh off of a World Series appearance, fans were eager to see how the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation would fair. A big splash in free agency and the rise of a top prospect offered hope for a solid starting rotation. However, injuries to Ranger Suarez and MLB’s sixth ranked prospect Andrew Painter dampened early expectations to begin the season. Suarez suffered a left elbow strain, while Painter suffered a right UCL sprain. Those injuries resulted in the Phillies entering the season with their two aces Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, a fresh free agency singing in Taijaun Walker, and two band-aid starters in Bailey Falter and Matt Strahm. But those band-aid starters are proving to be more. However, with returns imminent, manager Rob Thomson and the Phillies face a tough decision in the coming weeks.

Suarez will inevitably reclaim his spot in the starting rotation once he’s fully healthy. Painter, on the other hand, may see time in Triple-A before making his debut in the big leagues. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he expects Painter to be with the team at some point this season. With Suarez’ return assumably coming first, it was thought that he would have taken Strahm’s place in the rotation when he returned. However, Strahm has opened the season allowing zero runs in 10 innings pitched and continues to surpass all expectations.

Strahm, a free-agency acquisition in December has looked like the Phillies’ top pitcher this season. He boasts an ERA of 0.00 to start the season, which makes him one of six starters to do so thus far. If Strahm continues to impress, the Phillies simply cannot send him down to make room for Suarez. That leaves Falter and Walker as possible send down candidates.

Falter has found more success in the early stages of the 2023 season. In 10.1 innings pitched, he’s allowed 11 hits, three earned runs and has amassed an ERA of 2.61. Though, stats don’t tell the full story. In Saturday’s game against the Reds, Falter allowed an early home run but quickly settled down. For the batters followed, he made necessary adjustments and found himself getting out of jams. Falter, as well as Strahm, have been an early season surprise.

That’s not to say Walker hasn’t looked the part in his first two starts for the Phillies. In 8.3 innings pitched, he’s allowed seven hits and six earned runs while striking out 10. It’s apparent that those numbers don’t equate to Strahm and Falters, but the Phillies just signed Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract this offseason. So right now, Walker can be considered safe.

Unfortunately, one of Strahm or Falter will be at odds as Suarez inches towards his return. Thomson could choose to return Strahm to his original position, which was a relief pitcher, but he’s throwing too well right now at the start of games. Fans will just have to wait and see.

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