Familiarity won’t be an issue when the Phillies and Braves battle in the National League Division Series, starting today at 1:07 p.m. on FOX. The two teams squared off 19 times this season, with Atlanta taking the edge 11-8.
Atlanta will be looking to defend its World Series title when it begins this best-of-five series. The Phillies advanced to the NLDS by sweeping a best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Cardinals.
Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday at Truist Park. The Phillies will host the next two games on Friday and Saturday (if necessary). Game 5 would be played in Atlanta on Oct. 16.
Game 1 of the best-of-five NLDS will be played Tuesday at 1:07 p.m. ET at Truist Park in Atlanta. The game will be broadcast on FOX. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:35 p.m. ET on FOX.
All series are available in the US on MLB.TV with authentication to a participating Pay TV provider. Games are not available live internationally (archives are available approximately 90 minutes after the game ends).
What might the starting lineups look like?
Phillies: Manager Rob Thomson dropped Bryce Harper from the No. 3 to No. 4 spot in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Friday against Cardinals left-hander José Quintana because he said it created more separation between Kyle Schwarber and Harper. But then Thomson kept Harper there in Game 2 against right-hander Miles Mikolas, so maybe that will be Harper’s spot in the NLDS, too. Matt Vierling could get the start in center again over Brandon Marsh with Braves left-hander Max Fried on the mound.
1. Kyle Schwarber, LF
2. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
3. J.T. Realmuto, C
4. Bryce Harper, DH
5. Alec Bohm, 3B
6. Nick Castellanos, RF
7. Jean Segura, 2B
8. Bryson Stott, SS
9. Matt Vierling, CF
Braves: Eight different Braves hit at least 15 homers for the first time in franchise history. Austin Riley and Matt Olson ranked first and second in the NL in extra-base hits. Atlanta relies on the tremendous power potential that exists throughout its lineup. Michael Harris II could bat as high as third when opposing a right-handed starter. But when the opponent is starting a southpaw, expect to see Harris bat near the bottom. William Contreras should be the DH against lefties, while Marcell Ozuna might fill that role against right-handers. This is what their lineup could look like for Game 1:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
2. Dansby Swanson, SS
3. Austin Riley, 3B
4. Travis d’Arnaud, C
5. Matt Olson, 1B
6. William Contreras, DH
7. Michael Harris II, CF
8. Robbie Grossman, LF
9. Orlando Arcia, 2B
via Phillies.com.
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