PHILLIES AND BRAVES SET TO FACE OFF IN NLDS
PHILADELPHIA — As the 2022 MLB postseason continues, the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are preparing to go head-to-head in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Both teams have followed a similar blueprint throughout the season, but now they aim to differentiate themselves on the field.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed his respect for the Phillies, stating, “[The Phillies] scare me as much as any team in the game.” This sentiment comes after the Braves won three out of four games against the Phillies in September.
The first game of the NLDS is scheduled for Saturday at Truist Park, although the exact time of the first pitch is yet to be announced. Fans can catch the game on TBS. For viewers in the U.S., all series are available on MLB.TV with authentication from a participating Pay TV provider. International viewers will also be able to watch the games live, with full game archives becoming available approximately 90 minutes after each game’s conclusion.
On the mound, the Phillies are expected to start Ranger Suárez, who also started Game 1 of the 2022 NLDS against the Braves. Suárez struggled with command in that outing but held Atlanta to just one run in a 7-6 victory. Meanwhile, the Braves will turn to Spencer Strider, who has had success against the Phillies throughout his career, going 7-0 with a 2.01 ERA over seven starts.
Both teams boast potent lineups, with the Braves matching the single-season home run record and drawing comparisons to the legendary 1927 Yankees. Players like Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have had great success against the Phillies this year. The Braves will have to decide whether to start Eddie Rosario or the right-handed-hitting Kevin Pillar given that the Phillies will be starting a left-hander.
In terms of bullpens, the Phillies will have a full complement of relievers available, while the Braves will rely on A.J. Minter, Pierce Johnson, and Joe Jiménez as their primary setup men for closer Raisel Iglesias.
Notable injuries include Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins, who underwent left ACL surgery in March and remains on the 60-day IL. There is a chance he could return for the World Series, but his contributions would likely be limited to DH or pinch-hitting duties.
Finally, both teams have players who are hot at the plate heading into the NLDS. Phillies’ Bryson Stott and Trea Turner have performed well recently, while Braves’ Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Marcell Ozuna have been some of the hottest players in the game.
The Phillies have a history of success against the Braves in the postseason, winning both the 1993 NLCS and the 2022 NLDS. However, individual players have had mixed results against each other. Phillies’ Brandon Marsh has performed well against Braves’ ace Spencer Strider, hitting .364 with a home run in his career. On the other hand, players like Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, and J.T. Realmuto have struggled against Strider.
As the NLDS begins, fans can expect an intense matchup between two talented teams. The Braves have a strong record at Truist Park during the playoffs, and the Phillies are looking to continue their success against their division rivals. With storylines aplenty, this NLDS promises to be a thrilling series.