Something may appear out of order for the Phillies in their 2025 season opener Thursday against the Nationals in Washington, D.C.
It’s likely the right-handed-hitting Trea Turner leads off with left-hander MacKenzie Gore starting on the mound for the hosts at National Park.
That represents a major alteration for the defending NL East champs. Manager Rob Thomson has firmly, some may say stubbornly, stuck with the same top of the batting order the last few seasons.
Kyle Schwarber led off in all 149 games he started last year for the Phillies. The since-released Whit Merrifield and Bryson Stott were the only other Phillies to bat first in 2024 games.
But the Phillies’ late-season and playoff offensive struggles in 2024 have suggested there could be more variety to that batting order in 2025. The opener provides an opportunity and may be a sign of things to come. Thomson will, as he has long preferred, still try to alternate left- and right-handed hitters where possible.
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Zack Wheeler will be the Phillies’ starting pitcher Thursday. Offseason acquisition Jesus Luzardo is slated to start Saturday in Washington with Aaron Nola closing out the series Sunday. That positions Cristopher Sanchez to get the nod for Monday’s home opener against Colorado.
Phillies’ projected Opening Day lineup
1-Trea Turner SS
2-Bryce Harper 1B
3-Alec Bohm 3B
4-Kyle Schwarber DH
5-J.T. Realmuto, C
6-Max Kepler, LF
7-Nick Castellanos, RF
8-Bryson Stott, 2B
9-Brandon Marsh CF
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Contact Kevin Tresolini at [email protected] and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
