ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Braves split their four-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies, fumbling an opportunity to widen their lead in the NL East but maintaining a four-game advantage with 18 games remaining.
Atlanta clinched the season series against Philadelphia with Sunday’s win, so if the Braves and Phillies finish with identical records, Atlanta would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker for the division title. Now, the Braves will open a three-game series Tuesday against the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays (85-58) before hosting Philadelphia this weekend in the teams’ final series of the regular season.
Pitching probables
Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (0-1, 7.13 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (7-11, 4.96 ERA)
Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. – RHP Reynaldo Lopez (4-3, 3.64 ERA) vs. RHP Griffin Jax (6-10, 3.82 ERA)
Thursday, 12:15 p.m. – LHP Martin Perez (8-9, 3.25 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Martinez (14-4, 3.04 ERA)
AJ Smith-Shawver is scheduled to start the series opener, while Martín Pérez is set to take the mound in the finale. Reynaldo López, who’s been sidelined since Aug. 2 with left knee inflammation, will start Wednesday’s game, according to manager Walt Weiss.
The Braves will need to activate him from the 15-day injured list, meaning the team will need to make a corresponding move. Bryce Elder, who’s been dealing with a knee issue, will be moved to the bullpen temporarily while the team carries additional starting-pitching depth.
Chris Sale will start Friday’s series opener against the Phillies.
Hitters to watch
Braves: Perhaps the most important development in the Braves’ September postseason push is the resurgence of Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña has posted a 1.094 OPS over his past 12 games and a 1.298 OPS in his past six. He hit a game-tying home run in Sunday’s win over the Phillies and has recently looked more like the player who won the 2023 NL MVP award.
Rays: Junior Caminero leads the Rays with 38 home runs this season and will look to add to that total this week against Atlanta. Caminero has faced Tuesday’s Braves starter, Smith-Shawver, only twice but hit a home run against him. He is 0-for-3 in his career against Martín Pérez.
Yandy Díaz is another Rays hitter to watch. He is 12-for-30 against Pérez and entered the series with an .830 OPS and two home runs over his past 13 games.
How to watch Braves on Gray
The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.
For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.
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