Braves Vs. Phillies Division Series Predictions
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As the Divisional Round of the MLB Postseason kicks off, here is everything you need to know about the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies matchup.
First taking a look at the Braves.
Not only did they secure the National League East title this season, but they are also the defending World Series champions. Coming off a one week break after blowing past the Mets, the Braves are well rested and ready to take on their next opponent.
The Phillies however, barley made it into the tournament. As they have not made it into the playoffs since 2011, they are the underdogs looking to make a comeback.
Comparing the makeup of both teams, the Braves have an outstanding player development system which has been admired by all of baseball. On the other hand, the Phillies had an experimental team which ultimately helped them get past a good St. Louis team and secure a playoff spot.
A concern among the Braves is the status of their rookie pitcher Spencer Strider. He has been an integral part of the team, striking out batters left and right. But just last week when facing the Mets, Strider was unable to pitch for the team. The hopes are that after a weeks rest, he has had some time to recover, but his status is unknown at the moment. However, since the Braves are a stacked and talented team, they still have other starting pitchers, including Max Fried and Kyle Wright.
Up against these starters are Zach Nola and Aaron Wheeler of the Phillies. Neither of them can be played in the first game of the series, but Wheeler can play by game two and Nola can play by game three. With this being said, the Phillies would have to start the series with a third-best starting pitcher option. This can put them at a real disadvantage going into the series.
But by the time games two and three roll around, the Braves and Phillies will have true matchups on the mound, and we are all in for a treat. In four of the six games where the Phillies won over the Braves this season, Nola and Wheeler were on the mound, so this is a sign that there will be a good level of competition.
Taking a look at the Phillies lineup which includes Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos, it can definitely do some damage. But Atlanta has a better bullpen and starting pitcher advantage over Philadelphia. The Braves are also riding high on one hundred and one wins, thirteen more than when the team went on to the World Series in ‘88. But then again, the Phillies are going into this series still with confidence.
With the division series on the line, it can be anyone’s game. As long as either the Braves or the Phillies set the tone early on, the series can be a steal for anyone.
