The Phillies have settled one of the biggest questions hanging over their Wild Card opener: Jesus Luzardo gets the ball in Game 1 against the Braves.
Manager Don Mattingly made the call public on Monday, and it puts Philadelphia’s hottest-looking arm right in the middle of the series. Luzardo has been excellent all season, posting a 2.86 ERA while striking out 11.1 batters per nine innings.
Atlanta has already seen what he can do. Luzardo has a 2.89 ERA in 11 career starts against the Braves, and his lone start against them this season was about as dominant as it gets - a complete-game shutout with 12 strikeouts.
The one real question is how long the Phillies will let him go Tuesday. That shutout came on September 7, and Luzardo has not started since then after a brief stay on the Injured List with shoulder inflammation. He did return to action in the season finale on Sunday, needing only four pitches to get through a scoreless inning out of the bullpen.
In a playoff setting, Philadelphia could be more aggressive than usual with its usage of Luzardo. Still, it would be a surprise if he worked deep into the game. His pitch count and workload may decide whether Mattingly turns to Andrew Painter next or leans on the bullpen the rest of the way.
Cristopher Sanchez is set up for Game 2, while Aaron Nola appears to be the likeliest choice for Game 3 after Zack Wheeler had to pitch on Sunday so the Phillies could lock up a postseason berth.
Nothing about the Phillies’ pitching plan for this series looks conventional. But with this much arm talent, they have the kind of firepower that can make life miserable for a Braves offense that has been inconsistent for long stretches since the middle of the season.
In Other News...
Braves Wild Card Roster Includes Two Surprise Bench Decisions
The Braves Wild Card roster brought a couple of notable bench choices into focus as Atlanta set up for the 2026 NL opener. Non-roster infielders Rowdy Tellez and Luke Williams both made the cut after being in the organization before Sept. 1, giving the club additional infield flexibility and some extra matchup options if the games get tight late.
Atlanta also made corresponding roster moves to clear the way, with right-hander Ricky Vanasco designated for assignment and Elieser Hernndez removed from the 40-man roster. The Braves are carrying 11 pitchers for the round, which leaves the bench built around versatility as much as depth, a sign the team is preparing for a short series where one pinch-hit decision can matter just as much as a bullpen call. [Read more 🡒]
Braves Could Get An Early Phillies Test From A Risky Game 1 Plan
The Phillies have already locked up a postseason berth, but their Game 1 Wild Card pitching plan suggests they are willing to get creative right away. According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Philadelphia is planning to use Jesus Luzardo as an opener, with Andrew Painter following out of the bullpen, a move that reflects how carefully the club is trying to manage its arms as October begins.
For Atlanta, the setup matters because it could create an early look at a Phillies staff that is being handled with some flexibility and risk. Luzardo is returning from the injured list, which makes the opener idea a little more volatile, and Painter could wind up in a bulk relief role after those first innings. The result is a Game 1 approach that may not look conventional, but it could shape how the Braves would have to attack Philadelphia if the matchup comes together. [Read more 🡒]
Braves Flipped Game 1 Late In A Win Fans Will Debate
For most of Game 1, the Braves and Phillies traded the kind of October blows that can swing a short series before the first night is even over. Philadelphia got the first big hit from Alec Bohm, then the Braves answered through Ozzie Albies, whose RBI triple briefly put Atlanta in front and set up a tense finish that felt every bit like postseason baseball.
JT Realmutos two-run triple pushed the Phillies back ahead, but Atlanta never let the game slip away for long. Austin Riley changed the tone in the eighth with a go-ahead homer that sent the Braves to a 5-3 win, leaving both sides with plenty to unpack after a opener that had momentum shifting almost every inning. [Read more 🡒]