WASHINGTON – The Philadelphia Phillies have chosen to play their NL division series over an eight-day schedule, allowing them to go with a three-man starting rotation because of an extra off day.
Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels are Philadelphia's top starters. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel says Tuesday he knows which will start Game 1 at home on Oct. 6, but won't announce that decision yet. Game 2 will be Oct. 8.
The Phillies clinched the NL's best record by beating Washington 8-0 Monday. That allowed them to pick whether to have a seven- or eight-day schedule if the first-round series goes the full five games.
Manuel also said he will give Ryan Howard and Chase Utley days off before the regular season ends Sunday. Both are in Philadelphia's lineup against Washington on Tuesday.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.