The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers have already clinched playoff berths. On Thursday, a trio of MLB teams can join them. The MLB-leading

Walker is afforded the start after impressing Rob Thomson with the three scoreless relief innings he dealt against the Mets in the 6-4 victory Saturday.  I’m not holding my breath: Thomson’s hand is forced to lend Walker another look after unsuccessfully trialing three other pitchers in that No.

It’s a short turnaround to go up against a deep lineup packing plenty of punch. The Phillies have a solid .318 wOBA against right-handed pitchers for the season and a fourth-ranked .332 overall mark since the calendar flipped to September. Severino also served up two homers and a higher-than-usual 37.5% hard-hit rate in that most recent outing.