Braves-Phillies wild-card preview: Who prevails in rivals’ third playoff clash in 5 years?

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are set to face off in a best-of-three National League Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday in Atlanta. This marks their third postseason meeting in five seasons. The third-seeded Braves finished the regular season at 94-68, winning the NL East by six games. The Phillies secured the final wild-card berth on Game 162 with an 88-74 record, with the series victor moving on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Atlanta faces pitching rotation decisions after starter Martín Pérez landed on the injured list with back inflammation, while reliever Robert Suarez recently returned from injury. Meanwhile, the Phillies enter the series hoping to reignite their lineup after enduring significant offensive slumps late in September, though key contributors Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner propelled the team to victory in Sunday's regular-season finale.