Phillies aim to clinch series with Nola and Wheeler in Game 3 against Braves
Philadelphia will start Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler in Game 3 of the wild-card series, seeking to capitalize on Atlanta's uncertain pitching options after splitting the first two games.
Philadelphia is set to start right-hander Aaron Nola and left-hander Zack Wheeler in Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against Atlanta on Thursday. The Phillies forced a decisive third game after losing the opener and winning the second, putting pressure on the Braves, who are expected to use reliever Ray Kerr as an opener followed by Grant Holmes as a bulk reliever.
The Braves' pitching plan reflects uncertainty after their starter for the series remains unavailable. Kerr, who returned from Tommy John surgery in August, posted mid-90s fastballs and held the Phillies scoreless in two September relief appearances. Holmes, a middle-rotation starter, previously blanked Philadelphia for six innings in a 1-0 victory on Sept. 7.
Philadelphia manager Don Mattingly said the team is employing an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, with reliever Jhoan Duran expected to be ready after not pitching in Game 2. He added that the club hopes to limit the use of its bullpen to three pitchers.
The Phillies' recent momentum includes three home runs in the second game, a performance highlighted by contributions from Cristopher Sánchez and Andrew Painter, who delivered a six-inning, scoreless outing in his postseason debut. Painter finished the regular season with a 3.65 ERA over 11 starts.
If the Phillies prevail, they will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS opener on Saturday. Manager Mattingly is expected to consider a strategy that could involve using Painter as an opener to preserve the rest of the rotation for the subsequent games.