Manager Rob Thomson hasn't had to dip too far into the depths of the Phillies' Pitching staff this postseason. Until now, he's used only ten pitchers and hasn't needed a fourth starter. That'll change in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, as he'll need a fourth starter. 

Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sanchez are the logical options to start Game 4 in Phoenix, but neither has appeared in a game in over two weeks. Both tossed two innings on Sunday in a simulated game at Citizens Bank Park.

"I think we have two really good options," Thomson said on Sunday. "They both threw BP today. Both were a little bit rusty, but that's why we do it. But it's all about how we use the bullpen in the next says couple of days and also Game 3." 

It's possible both pitch in Game 4, with Walker getting the start and a run through the lineup while Sanchez follows. Walker was 15-6 this season while posting a 4.38 ERA over 31 starts. He struggled though pitching with six days or more of rest, posting a 5.62 ERA over eight starts. He also had a rough end to the regular season, posting a 5.93 ERA over his final five outings. 

Sanchez had better numbers over the second half of the season when compared to Walker, posting a 3.65 ERA since the All-Star break and a 3.33 ERA over his final five starts. Sanchez also has better figures the first time through a lineup, limiting opponents to a .232 batting average and an 11.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

"Be ready for everything; that's all I can do," Sanchez said during the NLDS. 

The pitching has been fantastic for the Phillies this postseason. The club has the best ERA (1.53), WHIP (0.91), and batting average against (.188) of the four teams still alive. In particular, the starting rotation has been lights out, pitching to a 0.73 ERA over 34 1/3 innings. 

"We know they're very good, and they've got our attention for sure, so we've got to be spot-on," said Arizona manager Torey Lovullo.