In just a few hours, the Atlanta Braves will face the Phillies in the first round of the 2026 MLB playoffs. On paper, the Braves are favored for several reasons, but anyone who has followed this rivalry knows anything can happen, especially in a short series where both teams are desperate to win. However, the first step to understanding how this matchup will play out is seeing which players exactly will be on each team's playoff roster.
The Phillies had already received some rough news regarding their squad. Not only is Jesus Luzardo likely to be limited in his usage due to a shoulder issue, but Luis Arraez will be out for the series. Combine those losses with a scuffed pitching situation after having to pull out the stops to make the playoffs at all, and you have an advantage for Atlanta from the start.
As for the Braves' playoff roster decisions, only a handful of roster spots were realistically up for grabs. Whether or not to carry a third catcher was arguably the biggest question, but the Braves also had to sort out the final couple of spots on their bench as well as in their bullpen. On Tuesday morning, we got our answers to those questions with Atlanta's playoff roster announcement, and there are definitely some winners and losers due to the Braves'...unorthodox choices.
Your 2026 Wild Card Series roster! pic.twitter.com/RKJ7kYjP4j
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 29, 2026
Here are the winners and losers from the Braves' playoff roster announcement
Again, many of the Braves' roster decisions were already made for them. The only positions that had any level of intrigue were shortstop and left field, but most expected Atlanta to stay the course with regard to how they handled those spots. The Braves only have three healthy starters they have true confidence in, which works out well in a three-game series. With Robert Suarez back, the backend of the bullpen was pretty well set as well. That said, Atlanta's decisions with their bench have certainly turned some heads.
Winners
Grant Holmes
While Grant Holmes was widely expected to make the playoff roster, his inclusion is definitely a step in the right direction. Holmes has been hard to predict this year, as he had struggled to compete once he got past the first time through the lineup, with some wondering if his elbow issues from last year were still limiting him. However, Holmes has been better lately (1.96 ERA in September, although his 4.67 FIP is a little spooky), and Atlanta has enough confidence in him to use him in a playoff game. That said, it's probably still a good idea to have a short leash with him or any pitcher who struggles.
Brewer Hicklen
It never feels great to celebrate an injury, and losing Lane Thomas was a legitimate loss. However, Thomas' loss is Brewer Hicklen's gain, and now the journeyman outfielder gets a chance to prove his worth. The Braves need another right-handed bat to step up against lefties, and Hicklen brings the added benefit of being a good pinch-runner if needed.
Ray Kerr
Ray Kerr wasn't even a consideration at the beginning of the season, as he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Now, Kerr has established himself as a lefty specialist in the Braves' bullpen. It wasn't a given that Kerr would make the playoff roster, but the earlier discussions over potentially using him as an opener in the playoffs were a big clue to the Braves' thinking.
Dom Smith
It felt inevitable for a long time that Dom Smith could get the boot, and it is honestly remarkable that he has made it this far without being DFA'd by the Braves. Smith was one of the season's great stories in the first half, but he regressed quickly. With next to no defensive value, a declining bat, and limited roster space, Smith just isn't the type of player to carry on a postseason roster, as good a guy as he is. However, the Braves disagreed and decided to not only carry him, but Rowdy Tellez as well. Let's get weird.
Losers
Kyle Farmer
There was a case to be made that the Braves carry a third catcher on their playoff roster, but that did feel a bit like a wasted roster spot in the vast majority of cases. Carrying Kyle Farmer would have not only given the team some versatility off the bench, but also given Atlanta a true emergency catcher if things go awry. Instead, the Braves decided to chance it and carry Luke Williams instead of Farmer. One better hope the catchers stay healthy, although the three-game series certainly lessens the risk.
James Karinchak
Things just haven't gone the way James Karinchak wanted in 2026. After signing a minor league deal with the Braves, Karinchak got a taste of the big leagues again and pitched pretty well across nine appearances. However, the Braves seemed extremely hesitant to pitch him on back-to-back days, which isn't exactly the kind of availability you want in the playoffs.
Elieser Hernandez
One has to feel bad for Elieser Hernandez. The guy was continually called up to put out roster fires and asked to throw multiple innings, only to get sent back down to the minors again. Unfortunately, the Braves don't really have a shortage of multi-inning relievers at the moment, and Suarez's return has made the bullpen pretty crowded.
Add us as a preferred source on Google