Rob Thomson gives an insight into the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching staff as the team opens up training camp.
Spring Training is officially underway with the pitchers and catchers officially reporting to Clearwater on Wednesday. It just so happens that this position group is one of the most question-marked heading into the Philadelphia Phillies' 2026 season.
As the Phillies pitchers got their workouts underway, Rob Thomson took some time to speak with reporters and discussed the state of Philadelphia’s pitching, and he’s clearly encouraged with the group that’s heading into spring training.
“Well, when we went into spring training last year, we didn't have to Duran, and I think our bullpen's better right now. The NRIs that we've picked up, there's a lot of talent there with a lot of options. So that makes the bullpen even better,” explained Thomson.
Having a clear-cut closer in Duran for the entire season will certainly be a boost for Philadelphia’s bullpen, and the depth the Phillies have now is a clear upgrade, too.
Apr 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) takes then ball from pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesThe biggest questions remain with the starting rotation. This group has a high ceiling, but if injuries and inexpreince previal, they could have a low floor.
Still, Thomson is confident that the team’s rotation is in a good spot.
“We knew [Cristpher Sanchez] was good. We didn't know [Sanchez] was this good last year at this time. There was a lot of question marks, not by me, but from other people on [Jesus] Luzardo. Now we know what we got with Luzardo,” continued Thomson.
“Taijuan [Walker] looks really good. Hopefully, the Painter thing just keeps coming. And Nola, I think, is going to benefit from playing the WBC, just to get the blood flowing a little bit earlier, and Nola is always going to be ready and always going to work, but I think getting some competition's going to help.”
As for Zack Wheeler, Thomson said a few days ago that the team doesn’t expect him back for Opening Day, but it might not be too long after that before he joins the roster.
There’s no question the Phillies have some good arms in their rotation and across the pitching staff as a whole. However, will they be good enough to repeat the 3.53 ERA that the starters had a year ago?
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