PHILADELPHIA Bryce Harper didnt need much time to pinpoint the main difference between the current Phillies squad and those that went deep into the postseason the past two years. For Harper, it all starts with the starting pitching.

"Every time they take the mound, theyve been absolutely dominant," Harper said after the Phillies secured a 5-4 victory over the Giants on Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park. "When you have that, your chances of winning go way up, right?"

The Phillies are off to a blistering 24-11 start, the best record in Major League Baseball. This marks their best start through 35 games since 1995, when they also posted a 24-11 record. A number of factors have contributed to their strong performance, but the starting rotation is leading the charge.

With a 2. 65 ERA among its starters, Philadelphias pitching staff is second-best in all of baseball. In fact, the teams only major concern is the abundance of depth in the starting rotation, particularly with Taijuan Walker returning and how it might affect Spencer Turnbulls role.

Walker, who finished last season with a 15-6 record and a 4. 38 ERA, has been a key part of this early success. Turnbull, who filled in for Walker after his shoulder injury, posted a remarkable 1. 67 ERA in six starts. On Sunday, Walker went 6 1/3 innings, giving up three runs in the process. He handed the ball over with a 5-1 lead, aided by Harpers three-run homer in the fourth inning Phillies Store. However, Walker allowed a two-run shot in the seventh inning to Giants second baseman Thairo Estrada, bringing his final tally to three earned runs.

Despite a late-game hiccup, Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated that it wouldnt necessarily mean an earlier hook for Walker in future starts. Walker, for his part, was pleased with his performance. "I didnt expect to go into the seventh inning back-to-back times, but Im glad I was able to," Walker said.

Walkers velocity was slightly down this spring due to a right-shoulder injury that placed him on the IL. In his start on Sunday, his four-seam fastball averaged 90. 9 mph, a drop of 1. 9 mph from last year. Despite the decrease in velocity, he showed his ability to manage without it. Walker walked only one batter and struck out seven, including five looking. "Its all about location and pitching, really," Walker explained. "The velocity may not be there, but I mixed things up and got the results I needed. "

As for Turnbull, the Phillies have moved him to the bullpen while maintaining the possibility that he could return to the rotation. He might pitch in a piggyback role behind left-hander Cristopher Snchez or potentially make a start if the matchup is right https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/cole_hamels_jersey-120. If neither of those scenarios pans out, Turnbull could contribute as a high-leverage reliever, similar to Matt Strahms role.

The situation might seem unusual to some, but the pitchers in the Phillies' clubhouse understand the situation. Walker, Turnbull, and Aaron Nola were seen chatting together after Sundays victory. "Everyone knows he did an amazing job," Walker said of Turnbull. "Hell be back in the rotation at some point. Its a long season, and well need all hands on deck. "

For now, Turnbulls efforts have been nothing short of impressive, and the Phillies are confident in his ability to contribute, whether its as a starter or out of the bullpen.

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