The Atlanta Braves play host to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon in the second game of the quick two-game series between the two from SunTrust Park. Both teams remain well alive in the Wild Card race in the National League but if either wants to catch the Met atop the NL East, especially the Braves, it seems like do or die time. The two have already squared off a handful of times this season and are far from strangers against each other. Given the quick turnaround from Tuesday night as well, this one could certainly be interesting.
While the Mets and Braves have been the talk of the NL East this season, the Phillies have done quite an impressive job staying alive in the Wild Card race. Catching those two atop the division might be too much to ask but there's little doubt that this group could find itself playing some October baseball. They've gone 6-4 over their last ten games and with one of baseball's best records away from home, this team won't be daunted to play in what is expected to be a difficult situation. With a series also looming against the Nationals, followed by the Braves, it remains a great opportunity for this team to get some momentum going.
The injuries aren't numerous for this group but they do remain important. Jean Segura (finger) is questionable, while Bryce Harper's (thumb) absence remains painful for this lineup. It does help to only have one bullpen arm out of commission though.
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The Phillies have acquired right-handed reliever David Robertson from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Ben Brown, Phillies President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski announced today. pic.twitter.com/CkHjctanAu
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 2, 2022
According to MLB.com, Zack Wheeler will get the ball for the Phillies as he aims to close out the series in strong fashion. The righty comes in with a 9-5 record that has certainly turned some heads, though his 2.77 ERA has been incredibly impressive. The last time out against the Braves, he allowed three runs in 6.1 innings of work, which isn't terrible but will need need to improve upon to spring the upset.
Offensively, the Phillies have quietly been one of the best groups in baseball this season. They rank in the top ten in most offensive categories, only missing out in OPS (11th) and strikeout rate (15th). Against an Atlanta offense that can score in their own right, the Phillies will need to be locked in at the plate. Kyle Schwarber (33 HRs, 66 RBI) remains a threat even without Harper, and with some depth to this group, Atlanta will need to tread carefully.