The Atlanta Braves are headed back to the postseason, and they will open October against a familiar rival.
The Braves will host the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Truist Park. Atlanta enters the postseason as the No. 3 seed after winning the NL East, while Philadelphia secured the No. 6 seed with an 88-74 record.
The best-of-three series will be played entirely in Atlanta, with the winner advancing to the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Braves Return to October
Atlanta clinched its seventh National League East title in the past nine seasons and secured home-field advantage for the Wild Card round.
The Braves finished the regular season with a 9-4 record against Philadelphia, giving them plenty of familiarity with the team they are about to face.
However, regular-season success will not erase the history between these two clubs.
The Phillies eliminated Atlanta in the NL Division Series in both 2022 and 2023, making this another opportunity for the Braves to change the narrative against their division rival.
Chris Sale Gets the Ball
Atlanta is expected to turn to veteran ace Chris Sale for Game 1.
Sale finished the regular season with a 2.16 ERA across 27 starts and will make his first postseason appearance with the Braves. He has also had considerable success against Philadelphia’s biggest left-handed hitters, holding Bryce Harper to 2-for-21 and Kyle Schwarber to 2-for-25 in their careers.
Tyler Mahle is expected to start Game 2, while Grant Holmes would be in line for a potential Game 3 if necessary.
The Braves will also have closer Raisel Iglesias and a bullpen that could play a major role in what should be a short, intense series.
Atlanta’s Offense Has Plenty of Firepower
The Braves will rely on a lineup featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II and Drake Baldwin.
Acuña is one of the biggest names in the postseason and gives Atlanta a dangerous combination of power and speed.
Atlanta will also need production throughout the lineup against a Philadelphia pitching staff that includes Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Aaron Nola.
A Familiar Postseason Rival
There is no shortage of history between these teams.
The Phillies have won all three previous postseason series between the two franchises, including their memorable NLDS victories over Atlanta in 2022 and 2023.
Now, the Braves get another chance on their home field.
Philadelphia enters the series after securing its playoff spot on the final day of the regular season. Wheeler delivered six strong innings in that game, but he will not be on full rest for the Wild Card Series.
That could make Atlanta’s ability to pressure the Phillies’ pitching staff especially important.
Wild Card Series Schedule
Game 1: Tuesday, Sept. 29 — 2 p.m. ET
Game 2: Wednesday, Sept. 30 — 2 p.m. ET
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 1 — 2 p.m. ET, if necessary
All potential games will be played at Truist Park.
The winner will advance to face the Dodgers in the NL Division Series, beginning Oct. 3.
The Braves have waited through 162 games to get back to this point. Now, they face one of their biggest rivals with a trip to the NLDS on the line.
Atlanta and Philadelphia know each other extremely well.
This time, the stakes are much higher.
