If the Atlanta Braves (66-58) have any hopes of catching the Philadelphia Phillies (73-51) and securing a seventh straight National League East division title, they will need to take care of business in this crucial three-game series that begins Tuesday night at Truist Park.
The Braves closed out their long road trip on a high note by taking three out of four games against the San Francisco Giants and then winning two out of three against the Los Angeles Angels this past weekend. Out of the 38 remaining regular season games, Atlanta plays 23 of those contests in their home ballpark. That stretch begins Tuesday with the first place Phillies who currently lead the Braves by seven games in the NL East.
Philadelphia is coming off of a 4-2 homestand that included series victories over the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. But with just an 11-17 record since the All-Star break, the Phillies have left the door open for Atlanta to make a last minute run at the first-place crown. The two clubs will face off seven more times this season, four of those games taking place at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves have won both series so far this year, taking two out of three games at home and on the road.
Pitching Matchups
Tuesday : RHP Reynaldo López (7-4, 2.06) vs. RHP Zach Wheeler (12-5, 2.72)
The Braves activated López injured list on Monday. He is set to make his first start since July 28 when he exited early with right elbow inflammation. Atlanta will be tested early in the series, facing Zach Wheeler in game one. The Philadelphia starter has dominated Atlanta in his career with a 3.07 ERA against them over 28 appearances.
Wednesday: LHP Max Fried (7-7, 3.62) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (11-6, 3.45)
Max Fried and Aaron Nola will face off against each other again after matching up on July 5 in the teams' last series. Fried will get a shot at redemption against the Phillies after he allowed eleven hits and five runs in what would be an 8-6 Philadelphia victory. Aaron Nola earned the win, allowing three runs over six innings. He will be making his 36th career start against the Braves.
Thursday: RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (4-6, 4.04) vs. TBA
Spencer Schwellenbach is set to make his second career start against the Phillies. He shined against them in his first start on July 6, allowing just one run and striking out six in as many innings. Philadelphia has not officially announced their starter for game three.
Injury Update
The Braves received bad news on Monday when it was announced that Austin Riley will miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken hand. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks. On Tuesday morning Atlanta signed veteran Gio Urshela to fill the hole at third base until Riley returns. Urshela will be available to play in game one on Tuesday. A.J. Minter (left hip inflammation) and Ozzie Albies (fractured left wrist) remain out for this series.
The Phillies are not dealing with any major injuries coming into the series and are potentially getting a couple of key players back this week. Left-hander Ranger Suàrez has been out with lower back soreness since July. He is nearing a return but is likely out for this series. Outfielder Austin Hays (left hamstring strain) is unlikely to return to face Atlanta but is aiming to rejoin the club this weekend.
Broadcast Information
Tuesday and Wednesday's games are scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. EST. The Braves broadcast for those contests can be viewed on Bally Sports Southeast. The first pitch for Thursday's finale is set for 7:08 p.m. EST and will be a national broadcast on Fox. You can listen to the games by tuning in to the Atlanta Braves Radio Network on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and affiliates across Braves Country.
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