So if Syndegaard, a starting pitcher who lost his spot in the rotation but is now a reliever (save for a doubleheader) starts, is it a "bullpen game."?
Thomson hasn’t named a Game 4 starter and doesn’t intend to until the Phillies get through Game 3. But he will have to choose from among Noah Syndergaard, rookie lefty Bailey Falter, and veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson — or some combination thereof. Falter hasn’t pitched since Oct. 5, and as a team, the Braves hit lefties better than righties in the regular season. Gibson had a 9.73 ERA over his final six starts.
Syndergaard is the likeliest choice, with a scoreless 16-pitch eighth inning in Game 2 serving as a potential tune-up after he hadn’t pitched since Oct. 1. But what if the Phillies need him in relief Friday?