The Braves open their Wild Card series Tuesday at 2 PM EST against the Phillies, and the first matchup already comes with a familiar headache. Atlanta will have Chris Sale on the mound in Game 1, but Philadelphia is countering with lefty Jesus Luzardo, who will serve as the opener after throwing one inning in the final game of the regular season and dealing with ongoing shoulder issues.
That’s not exactly the kind of news Braves fans wanted to hear. The last time Atlanta saw Luzardo, he shut them down completely with a complete-game shutout, allowing one walk and striking out 12. Against a lineup that has had its share of rough stretches this season, that’s a tough matchup to shake off.
Still, the Braves have to play the hand in front of them, and Walt Weiss is expected to lean heavily on right-handed bats. The lineup should look close to what Atlanta used the last time it faced Luzardo:
- Ronald Acuna Jr., RF
- Drake Baldwin, DH
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Matt Olson, 1B
- Austin Riley, 3B
- Mauricio Dubon, LF
- Michael Harris II, CF
- Sean Murphy, C
- Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Ozzie Albies hitting third jumps out, but Weiss had him there the last time around, and the logic is clear enough: a switch-hitter in that spot helps break up the lefties. The numbers also support it, with Albies carrying a .295/.332/.527 career slash line and an .859 OPS. Riley and Albies could still flip spots, but this looks like the most likely alignment.
The bigger issue for Atlanta is the broader trend. The Braves hit just .240/.300/.390 against left-handed pitching during the regular season, good for a .696 OPS. That said, Luzardo probably won’t be asked to go deep, and Atlanta has done damage against relief pitching this year.
The key is getting him out early. The Braves will need to stop chasing so much - their team chase rate sits at 33.7% - and force longer at-bats that drive up the pitch count. If they can do that, they may get the kind of looks they need once Philadelphia turns to the bullpen.
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 🡒]