The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are getting the MLB playoffs started today in a Wild Card clash between National League East rivals. Philadelphia barely made the playoffs after a rocky end to the regular season, while the Braves struggled in series against the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins to close the year.
Game 1 brings a premier starting pitcher matchup. Philly is rolling with Jesus Luzardo, a 2026 All-Star who's posted career highs in ERA (.286), strikeouts (221) and WHIP (1.074) this season. Atlanta is starting Chris Sale, another lefty who's made 10 All-Star teams and won the Cy Young with Atlanta in 2024.
The Phillies won't have Luis Arraez in the lineup as the second baseman injured his ankle Thursday against the Milwaukee
Brewers. It's a loss Sale will look to advantage of.
Phillies vs. Braves begins at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, and it could be quite a pitchers' duel.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Phillies vs. Braves starting pitchers: Who's taking the mound in Game 1?
