Phillies and Braves Set for Decisive Game 3 of NL Wild Card Series Thursday

Philadelphia and Atlanta will meet Thursday in Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series, with the victor moving on to the NLDS. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC and Peacock, unless it becomes the sole remaining series, in which case it would shift to an 8 p.m. start.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly indicated that right-hander Aaron Nola is the likely starter, though a short-rest appearance by ace Zack Wheeler remains possible. Grant Holmes is expected to handle the bulk of the innings for Philadelphia, while the Braves have not confirmed whether left-hander Ray Kerr or Brent Suter will open, both tasked with facing Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber early.

Philadelphia may be without infielder Edmundo Sosa, who left Game 2 with a right-leg injury, potentially moving Harper back to first base and inserting Derek Hill in right field. The Braves’ lineup is expected to feature left-fielder Mike Yastrzemski, with Mauricio Dubón shifting to shortstop.

Mattingly said the team is "all hands on deck" and hopes closer Jhoan Duran will be available after missing Game 2. The Braves’ closer Raisel Iglesias and setup men Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee are expected to pitch, while right-hander Robert Suarez could see action despite a recent elbow injury.

Phillies infielder Alec Bohm, who hit the game-winning home run in the extra-inning victory in Game 2, emphasized the need to focus on the next game: "Just win a game… Turn the page, and move on to tomorrow and show up ready to do the same thing."

Both teams have key players dealing with injuries: the Phillies are without outfielder Luis Arraez after a left-ankle sprain, and the Braves may have limited options among starting pitchers due to recent surgeries and inflammation. The winner of Thursday’s game will advance, with the Phillies potentially facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS and the Braves aiming for their first NLDS appearance since 2023.