Series Preview: Braves at Phillies, July 22 – July 25

The Phillies (47-47) were riding high heading into New York to play the Yankees, but those high hopes went down low as the Phils were swept right out of the Bronx in two games.

They now open up a huge series against the Atlanta Braves (46-48) at home.

Here’s a few storylines for this weekend’s matchup:

The last time they met, what’s happened since

The Braves were in Philadelphia in mid-June, and after splitting the first two games, the Braves’ bullpen managed to do just a little worse than the Phillies’ in the finale.

Since then, The Braves have shown a remarkable consistency, going 17-17 in the games. But because they play in the NL East, that still puts them right in the thick of the race.

No Acuna

The Braves have not been helped by the loss of star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. as he tore his ACL in Miami. There’s no way to make up for losing one of the best players in baseball.

While it’s a shame to see such a talented player suffer an injury, it’ll really help the Phillies.

In his young career, Acuña has destroyed Phillies pitching with a .317/.410/.561 slash line to go with eleven home runs.

The Braves have tried to compensate by trading for Joc Pederson. Pederson is off to a good start with the Braves (.357 with one home run in four games), but based on his numbers the past two seasons, it’s tough to think he’ll be able to keep it up.

Pitching matchups

Game 1: Matt Moore (LHP | 0-1, 5.25 ERA) vs. Charlie Morton (RHP | 8-3, 3.69 ERA)
Game 2: Zack Wheeler (RHP | 7-5, 2.44 ERA) vs. Max Fried (LHP | 7-5, 4.29 ERA)
Game 3: Vince Velasquez (RHP | 3-4, 5.00 ERA) vs. Drew Smyly (LHP | 7-3, 4.50 ERA)
Game 4: Aaron Nola (RHP | 6-6, 4.64 ERA) vs. Touki Toussaint (RHP | 1-0, 1.35 ERA)

The numbers

Run Differential:
Phillies: -11
Braves: 24

Runs Scored Per Game:
Phillies: 4.54
Braves: 4.72

Runs Allowed Per Game:
Phillies: 4.66
Braves: 4.46

Game times and broadcasts

• Thursday, July 22nd at 7:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP
• Friday, July 23rd at 7:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP
• Saturday, July 24th at 6:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP
• Sunday, July 25th at 1:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP