Phillies starting rotation announcement is big news for Cristopher Sanchez and Andrew Painter

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Phillies starting rotation announcement is big news for Cristopher Sanchez and Andrew Painter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2026 MLB season with a very different starting rotation than in years past. While there are some familiar faces, their roles will not be the same as they were a year ago.

Ranger Suarez is no longer on the team, as he signed with the Boston Red Sox on a big free agent deal. Zack Wheeler is also not a part of the rotation to begin the year, as he's recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome and won't be in the rotation for a while.

However, the Phillies' official starting rotation for the 2026 season, according to Rob Thomson, as Matt Gelb of The Athletic shared, is some big news for Cristopher Sanchez and for Andrew Painter.

Phillies' official starting rotation is big news for Sanchez and Painter​

"Phillies will go Sanchez, Nola, Luzardo, Walker, Painter to begin the season," Gelb reported Friday afternoon.

Less than a week until MLB Opening Day, the Phillies' starting rotation is set. First, Sanchez will be the Opening Day starter, rewarding the Cy Young-caliber lefty with his first Opening Day starting job, thanks in part to Wheeler's absence.

Sliding in right behind him is Aaron Nola, looking to bounce back from a rough 2025 season. Third in line for the Phillies is Jesus Luzardo, fresh off a $135 million extension with the Phillies. Fourth is Taijuan Walker, who is in the final year of his deal.

But, last, and certainly not least, is top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter. He's the team's fifth starter and will be getting his first MLB action on Tuesday, March 31st, against the Washington Nationals.

More: Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies

Fortunately, the Phillies are beginning the year at home. Sanchez's Opening Day start will come against the Rangers in Philadelphia, and Nola, Luzardo, Walker, and Painter will all get to make their first starts this season at home.

The Phillies only leave Citizens Bank Park on Friday, April third for a game against the Colorado Rockies.

Another fortunate thing for the Phillies is that Painter, as the fifth starter, won't have to pitch in Colorado to begin the year. Nola, Luzardo, and Walker will get those Coors Field starts.

The Phillies' starting rotation will be a huge determining factor for how far this team goes in 2026. And the order of their rotation is now known.

Sacnhez is the Opening Day starter, followed by Nola as the No. 2, Luzardo as the No. 3, Walker as the No. 4, and Painter, the rookie righty, as the No. 5 starter to begin the year.

More MLB news:​

• Blue Jays sign Joe Mantiply to minor league contract
• Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki will return to rotation, not bullpen according Dave Roberts
• Konnor Griffin projected to make Pirates Opening Day roster by two analysts
• Alex Cora announces Caleb Durbin is Red Sox starting third baseman
• Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
• Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar

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