Phillies vs. Braves Game Postponed, Doubleheader Scheduled for Thursday

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies‘ scheduled game against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday has been postponed due to rain. The teams will play a doubleheader on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park to complete their three-game series.

The first game is set to begin at 1:05 p.m., followed by the second game at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for Wednesday’s game will be valid for the afternoon matchup, the Phillies announced.

Right-hander Zack Wheeler will take the mound for the Phillies in the night game, while left-hander Cristopher Sánchez will pitch the first game. Wheeler’s scheduled start Wednesday was delayed due to the steady rainfall throughout the city.

The Phillies won the series opener on Tuesday night with a score of 2-0, thanks to six shutout innings from Ranger Suárez. However, the team faced a setback when star outfielder Bryce Harper left the game in the first inning after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch from Braves starter Spencer Strider.

Harper sustained a bruise, but X-rays were negative, and he is expected to be evaluated again on Thursday morning. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the concern for Harper but emphasized his toughness.

The Phils currently have the best record in the National League at 35-19. They lead the NL East by two games over the Mets and 9½ games over the Braves. After being swept in a three-game series last month in New York, the Phillies have rebounded with 10 wins in their last 11 games.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Sánchez (4-1, 3.17 ERA) will face the Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver (3-2, 3.67 ERA). The nightcap will pit Wheeler (6-1, 2.42 ERA) against 2024 NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale (2-3, 3.36 ERA).

Thomson stated he does not believe Strider intentionally hit Harper and noted that Strider expressed concern for Harper after the incident, saying it was difficult for him to see Harper in pain.

With extra rest before their series opening against Toronto, the Phillies can keep Sánchez and Wheeler on regular rotation without needing to add a spot starter.