Phillies’ list of concerns starts with the rotation, and changes could be coming

LOS ANGELES — When Craig Kimbrel’s fastball landed in the seats Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium and the Phillies trudged toward a long cross-country flight, they carried the second-worst ERA in the National League with them. If there is one common theme in the season’s first 32 games, it’s how shaky the entire pitching operation feels. It’s looked good for stretches, but disaster always lurks.

There were plenty of moments for Rob Thomson to lament during the flight home. The Phillies manager could have focused on Edmundo Sosa’s misplay that led to two eighth-inning runs in the 10-6 loss. He could have bemoaned Kimbrel’s erratic command. He could have been upset about how the offense did not add to an early lead.

But Aaron Nola had a five-run advantage in the third inning and, before the seventh inning ended, he had surrendered four runs on the day. Nola, who pitched with diminished fastball velocity yet again, could not maintain the large gap his teammates provided. His season ERA rose a few ticks.

The Phillies allowed double-digit runs in three straight games for only the second time since 1958. The team’s ERA is 5.18.

“Right now, we’re going through a little bit of a tough time,” Thomson said. “We have to clean it up a little bit. No free passes. No extra bases. You have to play defense behind your guys, too. It’s a total package.”

The Phillies expect to hit — a day after Bryce Harper went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, he reached base all five times he batted Wednesday — but the pitching is far less certain than anticipated. They are considering changes to the rotation and planned to discuss options on the flight home.

With three off days in an eight-day span, the Phillies will have an opportunity to rearrange things. It’s possible Matt Strahm has made his last start; the Phillies can skip his spot in the rotation.

The club is worried about Strahm’s workload. He reached 26 2/3 innings in his 31st appearance last season. It was July 9. He was an effective middle reliever for Boston in 2022, and the Phillies saw enough to sign him for $15 million over two years.

The Phillies’ background work on Strahm revealed a personality that would fit into the clubhouse. He was willing to adapt. Many around the team have credited Strahm for saving them in the season’s first month by stepping into a starting spot. There were few viable rotation options outside of Strahm.

But his stuff was not as crisp Tuesday night against the Dodgers. He has already thrown more than half the innings he threw a season ago. The Phillies are excited for him to fill the multi-inning bullpen role they had envisioned.

A day after suggesting Ranger Suárez (left elbow inflammation) could need two more minor-league rehab starts, Thomson revised his message and said Suárez’s outing this Sunday at…