It's hard to overstate the importance of the next three days for the Phillies. This three-game set in Atlanta could put the Phils in a position to potentially win the NL East and reach the postseason for the first time in a decade. On the flip side, a stumble in Atlanta all but ensures another bitter end to a season.
The Phillies enter the series opener 2 1/2 games behind the Braves with six games remaining.
"We've got to win one game Tuesday," Phillies manager Joe Girardi said. "That's how you have to look at it."
Zack Wheeler will start the series opener for the Phils, and he's been outstanding against Atlanta in his career since joining Philly, pitching to a 1.60 ERA over 39 1/3 innings. The Braves counter with veteran Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.63); he's allowed three or fewer runs in three of four outings against Philadelphia so far this year.
"I think we’re confident going into Atlanta," Bryce Harper said on Sunday following the Phils 6-0 loss to the Pirates. "We have to go down there, we have to do our job, we have to be ready to go from Pitch 1, get 27 outs a game, and we have to be very good with all 27 of those outs.”
Harper is a major storyline in this series. He's putting up outstanding numbers and is an MVP candidate, hitting .382 over the last month along with ten homers and 28 RBIs.
Tonight's Lineup
Herrera 8
Segura 4
Harper 9
Realmuto 2
Miller 3
McCutchen 7
Gregorius 6
Galvis 5
Wheeler 1
Roster Moves
The Phillies have reinstated RHP Connor Brogdon from the 10-day IL and recalled INF Alec Bohm from Lehigh Valley (AAA). RHP Ramón Rosso and INF Luke Williams have been optioned to LV.