The Phillies open the NLDS with three left-handed starters. In an age where lefty/righty splits are an important factor, how much of a factor is it for this series with the Dodgers? By the way, can you name the last team to go with three lefties in a postseason series? The answer is coming up…

Overall Assessment: Slight Disadvantage for the Phillies

Not only is the Phillies’ decision to start three left-handed pitchers in the NLDS against the Dodgers is bold and historically rare, the matchup data and Dodgers’ offensive profile suggest it may be a slight disadvantage. The Dodgers are one of the best teams in baseball at hitting left-handed pitching, and their lineup is built to neutralize righty/lefty splits. However, the Phillies’ trio of Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesús Luzardo each bring distinct styles and elite individual weapons that could mitigate the risk.

Dodgers’ Strength Against Left-Handed Pitching

The Dodgers led the National League in OPS against left-handed pitchers in 2025, posting a .765 mark, just a tick below their .770 OPS against right-handers. This balance underscores their ability to hit well regardless of pitcher handedness. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman form a left-right-left trio at the top of the lineup that remains intact no matter who’s on the mound. Ohtani had an .898 OPS against lefties with 15 home runs in 222 at-bats, while Freeman posted an .855 OPS against lefties. These are elite numbers, and they suggest that the Dodgers do not suffer from the typical left-on-left disadvantage that many teams face.

Moreover, the Dodgers don’t platoon aggressively. They trust their stars to hit both sides, and they’ve built a lineup that doesn’t require constant shuffling. That stability allows them to maintain offensive rhythm and continuity, which can be a challenge for teams that rely heavily on matchup-based substitutions.

Phillies’ Left-Handed Trio: Unique and Talented

Despite the Dodgers’ prowess, the Phillies’ left-handed starters are different from each other. Sanchez, Suarez, and Luzardo each offer different pitch mixes, velocities, and approaches. Sanchez throws a power sinker that averages 95.4 mph and he pairs that with one of the best changeups in baseball, graded by Statcast with an MLB-best run value of 35 since the start of last season. Luzardo is a hard thrower with a four-seamer that averages 96.5 mph and a devastating sweeper that held opponents to a .178 average and a 43.7% whiff rate. Suarez, meanwhile, is a finesse pitcher who relies on command, deception, and soft contact.

This diversity matters. While all three are left-handed, they don’t give the Dodgers the same look three games in a row. Phillies manager Rob Thomson emphasized this point, noting that Luzardo and Suarez are “two different guys” and that the staff isn’t simply repeating the same style. Catcher J.T. Realmuto echoed that sentiment, saying the trio uses different pitches and velocities, which helps keep hitters off balance.

Historical Context and Strategic Risk

No team has started three left-handed pitchers in the first three games of a postseason series since the 2009 Phillies, who used Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and J.A. Happ in the NLDS. That team had success, but the rarity of the strategy reflects the risk. Most managers prefer to vary handedness to disrupt timing and force lineup adjustments. The Phillies are bucking that trend out of necessity—Zack Wheeler is out for the season, and Aaron Nola has had an inconsistent season—but they’re doing so with conviction.

The risk is compounded by the possibility of facing the same Dodgers hitters multiple times in a short series. If the NLDS goes five games, the Phillies may return to Sanchez and Suarez or Luzardo again, giving the Dodgers a second look at each. That familiarity could tilt the advantage toward the hitters, especially ones as disciplined and powerful as Ohtani and Freeman.

Why It Could Still Work

Despite the statistical disadvantage, the Phillies have a few factors working in their favor. First, Citizens Bank Park is a neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly venue in October, especially with cooler temperatures. Second, the Phillies’ bullpen is deep and versatile, allowing Thomson to mix in right-handed relievers like David Robertson and Orion Kerkering to change looks mid-game. The Phillies will also have Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Walker Buehler available out of the bullpen, depending on which one does not start game 4.

Third, postseason baseball is often about execution more than matchups. If Sanchez locates his sinker and changeup, if Luzardo’s sweeper is sharp, and if Suarez keeps hitters guessing, the handedness may be less relevant than pitch quality. The Phillies are betting on their guys to perform, not just fit a mold.

Conclusion

The Phillies’ decision to start three left-handers in the NLDS is unconventional and statistically risky given the Dodgers’ success against left-handed pitching. On paper, it’s a slight disadvantage. But the uniqueness of each pitcher, combined with postseason unpredictability and bullpen support, gives the Phillies a fighting chance. It’s not a matchup they would have chosen under ideal circumstances, but it’s one they can win if their lefties execute at a high level.