Braves Preview: Elder takes the mound for final game against Philadelphia
The Atlanta Braves look to extend their seven-game winning streak this afternoon against the rival Philadelphia Phillies. This was supposed to be a three-game set between the NL eastern ball clubs, but yesterday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather.
Today the forecast in Philadelphia doesn’t look much better, but fans are hopeful the day will be dry enough to squeeze in enough innings of baseball to make an official game. Yesterday’s pitching matchup was supposed to be Braves 20-year-old rookie AJ Smith-Shawver against Aaron Nola, and originally today’s matchup had Bryce Elder versus Taijuan Walker penciled in. However, because of the rainout last night, the expected pitching matchups have been derailed.
After tonight’s rainout, #Braves are pushing back AJ Smith-Shawver to Friday at Cincinnati, will stay with Bryce Elder for tomorrow in Philly. Jared Shuster goes Saturday and Charlie Morton on Sunday.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 22, 2023
Instead, the Braves will be sticking with Bryce Elder for today's game and push back Smith-Shawver’s next start to Friday in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Phillies will throw Aaron Nola tomorrow instead of the originally scheduled Taijuan Walker.
Aaron Nola will start tomorrow afternoon.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) June 22, 2023
Weekend rotation vs. Mets:
Friday: Taijuan Walker
Saturday: Cristopher Sanchez
Sunday: Zack Wheeler
Pitching Matchup for Braves vs. Phillies
Bryce Edler will look to polish off a rare two-game sweep of a division opponent, thanks to the rain out last night. Edler went six innings of one-run ball in his last outing against the Rockies. He has never faced the Phillies before so each guy in their lineup will be seeing him for the first time. Let’s hope that bids advantage Braves like it tends to for a pitcher seeing a lineup for the first time.
Aaron Nola will take the mound for the second time this season against Atlanta. In his first outing in Truist Park, Nola gave up five earned runs in six innings, including two homers to Austin Riley in an 8-5 Braves win. Riley has absolutely owned Nola in their career head-to-head as he enters with a .444 batting average, to go along with five home runs in 45 ABs. Hopefully, it’s just the pitcher he needs to see in order to spark a hot streak at the plate.
How to watch Braves vs. Phillies 6/22
Date/Time/Location: 6/22/23 at 1:05 PM EST at Citizens Bank Park
TV: Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan