Given how the final few weeks of the regular season unfolded, it's unlikely many fans around the Philadelphia region anticipated seeing the club in the National League Division Series, yet here we are.
The Phillies open the best-of-five series in Atlanta this afternoon at Truist Park. Ranger Suarez will be on the hill for the Phils, aiming to continue the streak of solid starting performances on the heels of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, both of whom dominated in St. Louis.
The Braves counter in Game 1 with Max Fried.
The Phillies and Braves played each other 19 times during the regular season. Atlanta won the series by three games, but the run differential between the two clubs was only three runs.
"They know us really well, and we know them," said J.T. Realmuto. "It should be some good baseball."
Thomson Stays
The Phillies removed the interim tag for Rob Thomson on Monday, signing him to a two-year deal through the 2024 season.
Thomson, 59, took over a Phillies club that was 22-29 (.431 winning percentage) entering play on June 3 and guided them to a 65-46 record (.586 winning percentage) and the franchise’s first postseason berth since 2011.
“As time progressed, it became apparent that Rob was the right person to lead this team and our club’s on-field performance over the course of the season certainly reinforced that,” said team president Dave Dombrowski in a statement. “His calm demeanor and ability to communicate with players and staff has greatly benefitted the Phillies and we are excited to formally name him our manager going forward. While a great deal of credit for the turnaround of our season goes to the players, Rob’s leadership style has also made a significant impact.” [Read More]
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday at Atlanta, 1:07 pm [Suarez vs. Fried]
Wednesday at Atlanta, 4:35 pm [Wheeler vs. Wright]
Friday vs. Atlanta, TBD [Nola vs. TBA]
NLDS Roster
Pitchers (13): Left-handers – José Alvarado, Bailey Falter, Brad Hand and Ranger Suárez. Right-handers – Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, Seranthony DomÃnguez, Zach Eflin, Kyle Gibson, Nick Nelson, Aaron Nola, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler.
Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs.
Infielders (5): Alec Bohm, Rhys Hoskins, Jean Segura, Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott.
Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Dalton Guthrie, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber and Matt Vierling.
Reliever David Robertson is not on the NLDS roster as he suffered a strained calf while celebrating Bryce Harper's homerun on Saturday in St. Louis. Nick Nelson will take his spot on the roster in the bullpen. The only other change is a switch between the addition of Dalton Guthrie and the removal of Nick Maton.
Game 1 Lineup
Schwarber 7
Hoskins 3
Realmuto 2
Harper DH
Castellanos 9
Bohm 5
Segura 4
Vierling 8
Sosa 6
Suarez LHP
