The Philadelphia Phillies are altering their starting rotation because of the postponement of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday, while the visiting Houston Astros are maintaining the status quo. ... At least for Game 3.
The Phillies say they will go with Ranger Suarez on Tuesday, with Monday's probable starter, Noah Syndergaard, now scheduled to start Game 5 on Thursday if he's not used out of the bullpen.
Game 1 Phillies starter Aaron Nola is now slated for Game 4 on Wednesday.
The Astros, meanwhile, are staying with Lance McCullers Jr. for Game 3, but have decided to start Christian Javier in Game 4 despite ace Justin Verlander getting normal rest since Game 1.
Verlander struggled in Game 1, allowing five runs in five innings as the Astros blew a 5-0 lead. The 39-year-old is without a win and owns a 6.04 ERA in eight World Series starts. Still, he could get the ball for Game 5.
Suarez, who was originally slated for Game 4, pitched 0.2 innings in relief in Game 1 of the World Series last Friday. He is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA in two playoff starts this year.
McCullers Jr. has yet to pitch since Oct. 23 in the ALCS against the New York Yankees. The 29-year-old has a 2.46 ERA in 11 innings so far this post-season.
Syndergaard started one game in the playoffs, going three innings in the final game of the NLCS as the Phillies eliminated the Atlanta Braves.
Watch Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet.
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