The Braves are back in October, and the first test comes fast: a familiar showdown with the Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Tuesday afternoon.
Atlanta is leaning into a simple postseason mantra - “Let it fly” - a phrase pulled from a spring training speech by manager Walt Weiss. Now the Braves get to carry it into a best-of-three series against the same division rival that knocked them out in 2022 and 2023.
Chris Sale will take the mound for Atlanta in the opener, and he said in an interview with FOX 5 Atlanta that getting to pitch a postseason game at home for the Braves means a great deal to him.
The matchup brings plenty of recent history with it. First baseman Matt Olson said the late-season games against Philadelphia have added another layer of familiarity between the teams. The Braves were 4-10 against the Phillies in their previous postseason meetings, but Sale had the upper hand this year: Atlanta won all four of his starts against Philadelphia, according to MLB.
If the series goes the distance, Game 2 is set for Wednesday and a winner-take-all Game 3 would follow on Thursday.
Outside the ballpark, the day starts well before first pitch. A Braves block party is scheduled for 11 a.m. at The Battery Atlanta, with a BMX stunt show among the planned entertainment. Truist Park gates open at noon, and crews were already preparing the field and stands Tuesday morning as fans waited for playoff baseball to return.
The Battery will also host watch parties throughout the Braves’ postseason run, including road games.
Inside the park, fans can also try a new postseason concession item: the “Grand Slam Tail,” a lobster tail stuffed with crab and shrimp, wrapped in wonton skin and fried.
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 🡒]