Phillies’ Rob Thomson names Bailey Falter as Game 4 starter, will use caution with bullpen

PHILADELPHIA — Apparently Phillies manager Rob Thomson had seen enough Friday night to feel comfortable at about 15 minutes before midnight to finally name a Game 4 starter.

That would be Bailey Falter, the frequently traveling left-hander for both the Phillies and IronPigs who won a spot in the big club’s rotation late in the season and occasionally opened people eyes with his success.

And sometimes made them close their eyes, too.

Falter had four spot relief appearances in April, but was recalled for a start on May 11, pitching into the fifth inning for a no-decision amid a 4-2 Phillies win over Seattle.

Called upon to do so again 16 days later against the Mets, he allowed two earned runs in three innings in what became an 8-6 loss. Then again on June 17, he lasted five innings and allowed three runs for a no-decision against Washington.

Falter’s stints with the Phillies became more regular in July, and finally he was recalled in late August for good, becoming part of a somewhat rebuilt rotation and winning three consecutive starts that month, then posting three more wins in September as the Phillies reached the postseason.

Overall, Falter finished 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with the big club. But when the 25-year-old takes the mound Saturday, it will be 17 days since he last pitched.

“There’s always concern about rust, and he hasn’t been able to see actual hitters (lately),” Thomson said of Falter. “But we’ve had a lot of bullpens, heavy bullpens where guys have been standing in, so at least he can get a visual.”

Thomson acknowledged the plan is “probably” that the rusty Falter only hang for one trip through the Padres batting order. It would then become a bullpen game for the Phillies, with trade deadline acquisition Noah Syndergaard likely next up on the mound. Syndergaard had started Game 4 of the NLDS.

Of course, the Phillies are at a distinct advantage, since they were able to win 4-2 on Friday night in a Game 3 that was highlighted by a six-out save by Seranthony Dominguez. Not only does that leave the Padres a measure more desperate, but they also have to contend with the remainder of a seven-game NLCS that won’t feature a travel day after Sunday’s Game 5.

Thomson had already used Zach Eflin (one inning) and Jose Alvarado (one inning-plus) after starter Ranger Suarez went five. Though he still had back-end bullpen strength in David Robertson, he decided to go with Dominguez for both the eighth and ninth innings.

Good call.

“Yeah, for tonight for sure,” Thomson said. “As we get deeper into the five days, we’re going to have to be careful.”

As for Game 4’s bullpen prospects, he added, “I’m sure that Alvarado will be fine. Eflin will be fine. We’ll have to check in on Seranthony. That’s the most pitches he’s thrown all year. (But) we got to the point in the game where we had the lead late and we had to go for it.”

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NOTES >> Dominguez’s six-out save is the first for a Phillie in the postseason since Tug McGraw did so in 1980, twice in the World Series against the Royals and once in the NLCS against the Astros. … Dominguez has retired 20 of 22 batters faced in the postseason, allowing two hits with 13 strikeouts. … Game 4’s first pitch is set for 7:45 Saturday night.