Exciting Roster Update: Phillies Sign Michael Lorenzen, Exclude Weston Wilson for NLDS Clash against Braves – Catch the Action on NBC Sports Philadelphia!

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a pivotal adjustment to their roster for the National League Division Series (NLDS) by adding Michael Lorenzen as the 13th member of their pitching staff. As a result, corner infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson has been removed from the roster.

Despite having only 16 plate appearances in his first taste of the majors this year, the right-handed-hitting Wilson made the roster for the wild-card series against Miami. The decision was primarily based on the unique pitching staff of the Marlins, which featured seven left-handers. The Phillies believed that having a fifth bench player would be more advantageous for the short wild-card series.

However, against the Atlanta Braves, who have left-handers A.J. Minter and Brad Hand, along with righty Kirby Yates, lefties barely touched in 2023, the need for a 13th pitcher is less significant.

When the Phillies acquired Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, they anticipated moving him to the bullpen in the postseason. Although he struggled in six appearances following his August no-hitter, allowing 30 runs in 26 1/3 innings, Lorenzen showed improvement in his final three innings of the season out of the bullpen.

With off-days between Games 1 and 2, Games 2 and 3, and potentially Games 4 and 5, both teams have the flexibility to utilize their bullpens early if necessary. The Braves possess several dangerous right-handed bats, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, switch-hitting Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna, and catchers Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud.

Lorenzen provides manager Rob Thomson with another right-handed option to counter these threats. The current order of their highest-leverage right-handed relievers appears to be Craig Kimbrel, Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Dominguez, Orion Kerkering, and Lorenzen.

Furthermore, both Lorenzen and Taijuan Walker can provide length in the event of a game going deep into extra innings. With no automatic runner on second base in extra innings during the playoffs, there is a higher likelihood of games stretching to 11, 12, or even 13 innings.

Here is the Philadelphia Phillies’ roster for the 2023 NLDS:

• Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs
• Infielders (5): Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa
• Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, Cristian Pache, Jake Cave
• Pitchers (13): Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Craig Kimbrel, Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, Cristopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker, Michael Lorenzen