The Braves came into Game 1 of the wild card series with a lineup built to keep the Phillies from getting cute.
Atlanta finally unveiled its roster and starting nine for the opener, and the construction tells the story: Walt Weiss wanted balance, not a lefty parade or a heavy right-handed stack. That makes sense with Jesus Luzardo on the mound, even if he’s being used as an opener after pitching an inning in the final game of the season.
The Braves know Luzardo can be a problem. He had real success against them the last time out. But this version of the matchup is a little different, and Atlanta’s answer was to spread the left-handed bats through the order rather than load up one side and hope for the best.
It’s a lineup with depth and enough punch to put runs on the board if things break right.
Lane Thomas being injured changes the shape of it, too. He’s been a lefty killer, and without him, Dubón ends up in the outfield while Ha-Seong Kim gets the start at shortstop. Kim hasn’t done much with the bat this season, but he has delivered some clutch hits in big moments, and his defense gives Atlanta value even when the offense isn’t carrying him.
There’s also plenty of playoff experience in this group, which the Braves will need if they’re going to make this work. The talent is there, but the question hanging over the whole thing is the same one that has followed Atlanta all season: can this offense finally show up when it matters, especially against left-handed pitching?
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 🡒]