The Philadelphia Phillies are exploring a unique approach to manage their crowded starting rotation and protect the arm of standout pitcher Spencer Turnbull. With the return of Taijuan Walker from the injured list, the Phillies now have six starters vying for five rotation spots.

Turnbull has been in impressive form this season, boasting a 2-0 record and a stellar 1.67 ERA in six starts. His success has sparked discussions about his future role within the team, as the Phillies have expressed concerns about employing a six-man rotation due to the potential strain it could place on the bullpen.

Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the need to monitor Turnbull's workload, considering his limited innings pitched since 2019. While the exact plan is still to be determined, Thomson stated that the idea of having Turnbull and another starter pitch on the same day holds some merit.

Under this hypothetical scenario, the other starter, such as left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, would alternate starts with Turnbull based on the opposition lineup. Both pitchers would need to pitch on the same day for this strategy to work effectively.

To implement this approach, the starting pitcher for that particular game would be limited to four or five innings, even if performing well, to ensure the other pitcher gets their opportunity on the mound. This would create a built-in day of rest for the Phillies' bullpen, providing relief for the team's relievers.

Thomson noted that similar strategies are commonly used in the Minor Leagues but acknowledged that the mental and emotional aspect of such a rotation plan is essential at the big league level. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the players are comfortable and perform at their best under the new system.

While this rotation strategy has not been frequently employed in the Major Leagues, the Phillies appear open to giving it a try. The team is expected to announce their plan, possibly as early as Friday, shedding more light on this innovative approach to managing their starting rotation.

By implementing this unique rotation strategy, the Phillies aim to effectively manage workload while maximizing the performance of their talented pitching staff. Time will tell if this experimental approach pays off and offers a winning formula for success in the long run.