Phillies vs. Braves: Let’s Set the Stage for the Series

A divisional showdown in the playoffs is always a treat.

That's exactly what we'll get to see in the coming days in the National League, as the Phillies and the Braves face off in a best-of-three series.

Both teams have playoff experience. And even though they aren't as dominant as they were a few years ago, they're still teams that can win.

What can we expect from them?

The Pitchers

For the Braves, there's not much debate: Chris Sale will start Game 1, Tyler Mahle will follow by default, and Grant Holmes will take the mound if there's a Game 3.

The plan is pretty simple.

In Philly, things are less clear. After all, several pitchers have been used in recent days, which complicates matters.

The only one who will be on his regular rest on Tuesday is Andrew Painter. But since Jesús Luzardo is coming back from an injury, he could also be used in relief during Game 1.

The Phillies are working through their pitching situation for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, several people said. It could be some combination involving Jesús Luzardo, Andrew Painter, and others. They'll have some clarity at Monday morning's workout in Atlanta.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) September 27, 2026

Cristopher Sanchez, who pitched on the 25th, could logically be an option for Game #2 on September 30.

Aaron Nola (who pitched on Saturday on short rest to help his team qualify) and Zack Wheeler (who pitched on Sunday) are not currently well-rested.

In the bullpen, the Braves are counting on Raisel Iglesias, an established closer. Robert Suarez is also available, but he's coming off an injury.

Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, AJ Smith-Shawver, Victor Mederos, and others are among the options for Atlanta.

For the Phillies, the path to Johan Duran isn't straightforward. Jose Alvarado is still there, and guys like Alex McFarlane, Tim Mayza, Jonathan Bowlan, and Brooks Raley are in the mix, but…

But let's just say that some starters will have to step in to help out in the bullpen to make things work.

Position Players

On paper, the Phillies have a strong offense. But over the past month, the team has really fallen apart offensively.

Luis Arraez's injury—he's not 100% heading into the playoffs—doesn't help matters.

Luis Arraez's sprained left ankle has improved enough that Don Mattingly said he could hypothetically pinch-hit today. Still, Arraez hasn't taken any swings in the batting cage since suffering the injury last week.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 27, 2026

Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Derek Hill are the only regular hitters on the team with an OPS+ above average.

How much will players like Bryson Stott, Edmundo Sosa, Brandon Marsh, J.T. Realmuto, and Alec Bohm step up?

In Atlanta, Ronald Acuña Jr. has really taken off in recent weeks. That will help players like Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, and Drake Baldwin.

The Braves' offense is solid. Mauricio Dubon, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley have been through it all: they can step up when needed.

The Managers

In 2026, Brian Snitker was replaced by Walt Weiss in Atlanta. He had some experience as a manager in Denver in the past, but he had never been to the playoffs as a manager.

But since he'd been with the Braves organization for quite some time, I don't expect a difficult transition in the playoffs.

In Philly, Don Mattingly has a lot of experience and has been to the playoffs a few times in Los Angeles and Miami. He helped the Phillies get back on track this season.

The players seem to enjoy playing for him, but he's only the interim manager. Perhaps the uncertainty surrounding his position explains the end of the season to some extent, as we discussed yesterday…

The Unpredictables

When the Phillies play at home, they enjoy the home-field advantage. A playoff game in Philly is something special.

Now they're heading on the road with an offense that's been anemic for a month and several pitchers out of the lineup. It won't be easy.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.