It's definitely an argument, but I don't think you want to limit the role of your third-best starter (second-best, even!) just because your #4 and #5 may not be as well-suited to relief. Let alone start inferior starters in what would be an elimination game if you don't have to.
And the thing about Ranger is he can actually do both. Last year he made three starts and two relief appearances and none of his starts were longer than five innings.
You need a Plan A and a Plan B but for now it's entirely dependent on how the first two games of the wild card series go. I also think that if Nola struggles in Game 2 and gets pulled after four or five in a close game they are still going to play match-up and go with their best relievers, not insert a pre-determined long guy. If that then leaves them using Ranger or Sanchez for a save, well, that will mean it worked. But given the state of Wheeler, and barring Nola, there is actually no one I would want more on the mound in an elimination game than Suarez, so save him if you can.
Right now Walker is technically lined up to pitch Game 2 but presumably Nola will not be making his last regular-season start. He'd be on seven days rest if that's the case.
Someone still has to start the rest of these games though. Covey presumably gets one. Nelson if they can figure out the roster move (does the recall period apply to the post-season or could they just paper-option a reliever on Sunday and then add him back to the playoff roster Monday?)
