Phillies start Aaron Nola as Wheeler rests; Braves use reliever Ray Kerr in Game 3
In Game 3 of the NL wild-card series, Philadelphia will start Aaron Nola on regular rest while Atlanta opts for southpaw reliever Ray Kerr, who returns after a long absence from the majors.
Philadelphia will start veteran right-hander Aaron Nola in Game 3 of the National League wild-card series, giving ace Zack Wheeler additional rest after he pitched on short notice to clinch the team's playoff berth. Nola, who posted a 4.67 ERA and a 7-12 record during the regular season, is expected to pitch on a normal schedule following a brief outing against the Rays that lasted one inning and yielded three runs.
Atlanta, facing limited pitching depth, will open the game with left-handed reliever Ray Kerr. Kerr, who made his major-league debut in 2022 after a non-baseball job, returned to the Braves in August following a 26-month gap between appearances. The move is intended to reduce the number of times starter Grant Holmes faces the Phillies' lineup, as Holmes' effectiveness declines the second time through an order.
"It’s really surprising to just see him go from 7-Eleven and us working together at IMAX theater," Kerr’s brother Richard said, noting the unusual path to the majors.
Both clubs are adjusting their rotations amid concerns about depth and recent performance, with the series now the only wild-card matchup to extend to a third game.