Series Preview: Braves Begin Crucial Road Set Against Phillies on Thursday Night

After a rocky 3-7 start to the month of August, the Atlanta Braves (73-60) have restored order and fought their way back into the thick of the National League playoff race. The Braves have won five consecutive series and have gone 12-4 since August 12. They round out their road trip this weekend with a pivotal four-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies (78-55).

There are 29 games remaining in the regular season, but these next four are arguably the most important on the schedule if Atlanta hopes to catch Philly for the National League East division lead. They are the last four head-to-head matchups between the teams this season. Coming into the series, the Braves trail Philadelphia by just five games. In the Wild Card, they still trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by three games for the top spot. Atlanta leads the New York Mets by four games for the final Wild Card spot.

The two clubs have already faced each other nine times this season. Atlanta won the first series in Philadelphia and both sets at Truist Park. The stakes will be elevated this time around with Sunday's finale falling on the first day of September. When the teams faced off last week, a total of 14 runs were scored in the three-game set. After averaging 7.7 runs/game against the Twins, the Braves hope to keep the offense rolling and put some pressure on a Phillies offense that narrowly avoided being no-hit by the Houston Astros on Wednesday afternoon.

Pitching Matchups

Thursday: RHP Charlie Morton (7-7, 4.24) vs. LHP Christopher S ànchez (9-9, 3.51)

Charlie Morton will be making his first start against the Phillies this season. The veteran has not fared well in his career against Philadelphia, going 5-7 with a 4.81 ERA. However, Morton has looked more like his old self of late, making three straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs. Christopher Sànchez has struggled against the Braves in his career. He's gone 0-3 with a 4.66 ERA over four appearances.

Friday: RHP Reynaldo L ó pez (7-4, 2.02) vs. LHP Ranger Su à rez (11-5, 2.82)

Despite almost a month on the injured list, Reynaldo López has come back just as strong in his last two starts. The right-hander has surrendered just two earned runs and struck out 17 batters over his last 11 innings pitched. He has pitched against the Phillies twice this season, going 1-0 and limiting them to one run. López is opposing Ranger Suàrez who also returned from the injured list recently. The left-hander started against Atlanta back on July 6, giving up five runs, two homers, and taking the loss.

Saturday: LHP Max Fried (8-7, 3.50) vs. RHP Zach Wheeler (12-6, 2.74)

Max Fried was stellar against Philadelphia in his last start, throwing seven innings and just allowing four hits and two runs. Saturday will mark his seventeenth career start vs. the Phillies. Zach Wheeler is having another Cy Young -caliber campaign. In five straight starts, he has pitched at least six innings and allowed two or fewer runs. A Marcell Ozuna two-run homer was the dagger in his start against Atlanta on August 20 as he took the loss and Philly fell 3-1.

Sunday: RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (5-6, 3.72) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.30)

Spencer Schwellenbach labored in his last start but got through 4.2 scoreless innings and struck out another eight hitters. He is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA and 15 strikeouts in his two starts against Philadelphia this season. Is it really a Phillies series if the Braves don't have to face Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola? Atlanta will have their work cut out for them again this weekend as they take on Philadelphia's top starters.

Injury Update

The Braves avoided any new injuries during their series in Minnesota. Michael Harris II is back in the lineup after being hit by a pitch on his left hand on Sunday. The Braves have continued to be cautious with Jorge Soler (mild hamstring strain). Soler started each game against the Twins but was subbed out late for Michael Harris II and Jarred Kelenic .

The Phillies are not battling any major injuries to their key players. Outfielder Austin Hays and pitcher Ranger Suàrez returned from injury this past weekend. Reliever José Alvarado was placed on the restricted list on Monday and will likely be unavailable for this series.

Broadcast Information

Thursday and Friday's games are scheduled to start at 6:40 p.m. EST. The Braves broadcast for games one and two can be viewed on Bally Sports South. First pitch for Saturday's game is set for 7:15 p.m. EST and will be nationally broadcasted on Fox. The Braves will return to Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN at 7:10 p.m. EST for game four. You can listen to all the games by tuning in to the Atlanta Braves Radio Network on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and affiliates across Braves Country.