The Philadelphia Phillies narrowly avoided missing out on the postseason and will now face off against the Atlanta Braves in this three-game NL Wild Card series, their third meeting in the playoffs in the last five seasons.
Philly had to use Zach Wheeler in their crucial win over the Tampa Bay Rays so they will have to turn to Jesus Luzardo as an opener, with Andrew Painter expected to come out of the bullpen. The Braves will send veteran Chris Sale to the hill.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies betting picks and predictions
Braves -1.5 (+110)
Philadelphia needed the 162nd game against the Tampa Bay Rays after a 10-14 September which nearly saw them miss out on the postseason.
They have managed to secure a rematch with Atlanta, who they have faced in the playoffs in three of the last five seasons, but the Phillies look vulnerable in this opening matchup.
Philadelphia will turn to Luzardo on just his second appearance after returning from injury to open this one, with Painter set to come out of the pen.
Painter has a 5.40 ERA this season and in an unusual role, poses big question marks about the Phillies’ pitching for this game. To add to that, Luzardo’s health is a big unknown and they may have to go deep into their bullpen early.
In contrast with the uncertainty surrounding Philadelphia’s pitching is the ever-dependable Sale, who has been lights out again this season with a 2.16 ERA. That is aided by a career best 0.6 home runs per nine innings and 1.7 walks per nine innings.
To make matters worse for Philly, their two biggest bats have a terrible record against Atlanta’s ace, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber combining for 4-46 in their career against Sale.
He is extremely strong against left-handed hitters, of which the Phillies have plenty, and has held the team to a 2.08 ERA in his four starts against them this season.
The Phillies are coming off a five-game run in which they have scored 10 runs, and things don’t look set to get any better, with Luis Arraez set to miss this one with an ankle injury.
Chris Sale over 7.5 strikeouts (-110)
Sale’s dominance over the Phillies has been notable this season and he has recorded 29 strikeouts in four starts, eight of which have come against Bryce Harper alone.
The veteran has recorded 34 strikeouts in his last four starts and looks a solid pick to go over his line of 7.5 strikeouts against a cold batting lineup which he has had plenty of success against.
Matt Olson to hit a home run (+390)
Matt Olson is another veteran who continues to impress for the Atlanta Braves, with 39 home runs on the year, three of which have come against Philadelphia.
The first baseman has a 35.4 fly ball percentage on the year and considering the contact he has been making recently, Olson has a good chance of going yard in Game 1.
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Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Odds
Atlanta Braves | -217 ML |
Philadelphia Phillies | +160 ML |
Run Line | Braves -1.5 |
Total | O/U 6.5 |
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies player props
Player Home Run Odds
Matt Olson (ATL Braves) | +390 |
Kyle Schwarber (PHI Phillies) | +400 |
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL Braves) | +425 |
Michael Harris II (ATL Braves) | +525 |
Drake Baldwin (ATL Braves) | +550 |
Austin Riley (NY Mets) | +550 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
