As the Braves get ready to face the Phillies in the first game of the National League Divisional Series, the team has announced who will be on the mound for the first two games of the series.
For Game One, it will be Spencer Strider. There were questions as to whether Strider would be available to pitch due to a blister on his finger, but it has healed enough for Strider to get the ball for the game tomorrow. Max Fried will pitch on Monday.
Getting all dressed up for the big day 🎨#AsOneATL pic.twitter.com/yItuHAK9V4
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 6, 2023
Braves manager Brian Snitker said in a press conference that he expects Strider to be ready to go tomorrow since he’s well-rested and healthy. As for Fried, who will pitch on Monday’s Game Two, “He’s good to go as far as we’re concerned.”
Snitker said the whole team is better this year than they were last year, and he expects the performance this year will reflect that.
In that same presser, Strider said of their appearance in the NLDS: “Embrace it,” he said, as reported by Bally Sports reporter Kelly Crull. “We wanted this opportunity. The way things ended last year, everybody was itching to get back into this environment and have this opportunity. So we’re excited.”
That ending Strider referred to was the Braves being defeated last year in the NLDS by the Phillies, who they face again this year. The Phillies got in by sweeping the Miami Marlins in a two-game wild card series.
The Braves finished the regular season with 104 wins and 58 losses. They have a .642 percent winning rating. The Phillies won 90 games and lost 72. Their winning percentage is .556, and they finished 14 games behind the Braves.
No decision has been made yet about Game 3, for that game, Bryce Elder could get the call. Relief pitchers will likely see a lot of work in this series. The Phillies also have not named a starting pitcher for Games One and Two as of this writing.
Here is the Game schedule as of 10/6
| Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 (If Needed) | Game 5 (If Needed) |
| Sat. Oct 7
At Truist Park 6:07 PM |
Mon. Oct 9
At Truist Park 6:07 PM |
Wed Oct 11
At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia 5:07 PM |
Thu Oct 12
At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia 6:07 PM🔵 |
Sat Oct 14
At Truist Park 6:07 PM 🔵 |
🔵 If other NLDS series ends, these games will be moved 8:07 PM
All games will be seen on TV on TBS. Radio games (in Atlanta) can be heard on WCNN 680/93.7 and ESPN Radio.
Image source: Atlanta Braves