How Phillies Starter Sanchez Matches Up Against Diamondbacks

The Philadelphia Phillies are turning to Christopher Sanchez to be their Game 4 starter of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here's how he matches up in his first postseason start.

The Philadelphia Phillies have a great top-3 in their rotation.

The marquee names of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola delivered for the Phillies in Games 1 and 2 of the NLCS.

Ranger Suarez proved once again that he is a player built for the MLB Playoffs. Although Philadelphia didn't win during his start, he threw yet another postseason gym.

Now, the Phillies have to turn to one of their lesser used players in the important Game 4 matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Left hander Christopher Sanchez is getting the start, his first playoff appearance of his career.

Philadelphia called-up the 26-year-old in mid-June and he stuck on their MLB roster for the rest of the regular season.

He was used as a backend rotation guy, a similar role to what he's going to be asked to do in this game.

Sanchez emerged as a good weapon for the Phillies during September, posting a 3.33 ERA and two separate games with 10 strikeouts.

So, how does he matchup with this Diamondbacks team?

"He’s a control monster who thrives on location and command, not pure stuff. If you’re reminded of Ranger Suárez, it’s for good reason, and you saw what he did to the Diamondbacks in Game 3," Grant Brisbee previewed for The Athletic.

That's a good sign.

Suarez was very effective in his start, keeping the potent bats of Arizona quiet for the majority of his outing.

But how long will the leash be for the lanky lefty if he's performing as well as their Game 3 left hander did?

"Just like Suárez, the hook will be short. They won’t let Ketel Marte or Christian Walker get a third look at Sánchez, so while it’s not as much of a bullpen game as the Diamondbacks are going with, relievers will be featured prominently," Brisbee writes.

That should be expected.

Manager Rob Thomson has heavily relied on his bullpen throughout the postseason and he is ready to do the same in Game 4.

Sanchez hasn't pitched since Sept. 30 and is stepping into a pressure situation.

How he responds to this task will be crucial for Philadelphia's chances to win this game.