Smooth Sale-ing? Series Preview: Braves at Phillies, April 8 – 10
Photo via Sports Illustrated
In 2024, the National League East was one of the most followed divisions in baseball. The Phillies and Braves were two of the biggest powerhouses in the sport, the Mets were finally performing at their full potential, and rising stars began tricking into the Marlins’ and Nationals’ lineups. Nevertheless, it appears as if this pattern may not continue in 2025.
The Braves, always a force to be reckoned with, are still projected to win the NL East, but the Phillies have outperformed the struggling Braves to begin their 2025 campaign. About a week ago, the Braves’ entire lineup was hitting below .200. We’re nearly two weeks into the season, and the ball club has won just a single game: a 10-0 win over the Marlins on April 4. Fifth place is new territory for the modern Atlanta Braves. They haven’t started a season this poorly since they went 0-9 to begin the 2016 season. And as it turned out, there was no turning that season around. Plagued with inconsistency, there aren’t any signs of this team leaving the basement.
However, this star-studded club is probably going to get back on track eventually, but Phillies fans will be hoping that the Braves’ struggles continue for just a little while longer.
Good Problems
Unlike the Braves, the Phillies have not had a lack of offense to start their season, and a lot of their success can be credited to some unexpected bats coming to life. Edmundo Sosa, in particular, has been arguably the best hitter in the Phillies’ lineup, so it seems inevitable that manager Rob Thomson will be looking to get him some more playing time while his bat is hot. In six games, Edmundo has reached base 12 times in 21 plate appearances, recording 11 hits and six RBI. He’s notched innings at second base, third base, shortstop, and left field, making him a versatile option to pencil into the lineup.
Despite his lack of experience in the outfield, with Max Kepler on an 0-13 streak and lefty Chris Sale toeing the rubber for the Braves in game one, the possibility of seeing Sosa in the outfield is becoming increasingly likely.
Bad Problems
Year after year, it is becoming exhausting to discuss the bullpen’s woes. Trade deadline acquisitions are rarely successful and free agent signings have been hit or miss. With Jordan Romano, this trend has continued. In five games so far, Romano has a 15.75 ERA. Luckily, the rest of the bullpen has had his back, but his early struggles have been apparent.
Fortunately, the Phillies all seem to be going right now, and in an important series against a division rival, that will have to continue.
Game Times and Broadcasts
Tuesday, April 8, 7:15 p.m. ET, TBS, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Wednesday, April 9, 7:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Thursday, April 10, 7:15 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Probable Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 1-0, 1.38 ERA) vs. Chris Sale (LHP, 0-1, 5.40 ERA)
Game 2: Taijuan Walker (RHP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Grant Holmes (RHP, 0-1, 7.20 ERA)
Game 3: Jesus Luzardo (LHP, 2-0, 1.50 ERA) vs Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA)
By the Numbers
- Records
- Phillies: 7-2
- Braves: 1-8
- Run Differential
- Phillies: 16
- Braves: -12
- Runs Scored Per Game
- Phillies: 5
- Braves: 2.67
- Runs Allowed Per Game
- Phillies: 3.22
- Braves 4
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