Braves Face Wheeler as Phillies Look to Extend Winning Streak

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The Atlanta Braves are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. This matchup features Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who enters with a formidable 2.42 ERA and a streak of 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Braves face Wheeler for the 18th time since he joined the Phillies in 2019. Earlier this season, Atlanta scored five runs against him over 5 1/3 innings in a game at Truist Park. Wheeler, 6-1 this season, aims to bounce back after his worst start which occurred against the Braves.

A.J. Smith-Shawver, who is 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA, will start for the Braves. Smith-Shawver is looking to recover from a rough outing against the Washington Nationals where he allowed seven runs in three innings. He is untested against the Phillies in the regular season but was optimistic despite his last performance.

“I know I can do better. I just have to focus on my strengths,” Smith-Shawver said. As for Wheeler, he expressed frustration following his previous game against Atlanta, stating, “I was mad at myself for not bearing down.”

Adding to the stakes is Bryce Harper’s uncertain status after he sustained an elbow contusion from a pitch in Tuesday’s game. Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson indicated that Harper’s condition would be evaluated before the game. “We’ll have to see how he feels in the morning,” he said.

In the previous contest, the Phillies secured a 2-0 win over the Braves, thanks in part to Ranger Suarez, who threw six scoreless innings. The victory was Philadelphia’s 10th in their last 11 games and solidified their place at the top of the National League East standings, leading Atlanta by 9.5 games.

Fans are hopeful for another exciting game during this key three-game series. As the Braves and Phillies face off, it promises to be a gripping contest for both teams.