Phillies Name Game 1 Starter for Wild Card Series vs Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced their Game 1 starter for their Wild Card matchup with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

Luzardo Gets the Nod for Game 1

Phillies manager Don Mattingly announced that Jesús Luzardo will get the ball in Game 1 against Braves lefty Chris Sale. Mattingly said that right-hander Andrew Painter will be in the bullpen and will likely play a role in the game.

Andrew Painter Ready in the Bullpen

The feeling is Luzardo will go as long as possible, and then the Phillies will turn things over to Painter.

Luzardo was activated from the injured list on Sunday and returned to throw four pitches, getting three quick ground balls in a scoreless inning against the Rays.

Rotation Plans for Games 2 and 3

In Game 2, it appears that Cristoper Sanchez will start, with Aaron Nola a possibility for Game 3, but Mattingly told reporters that the game will be an all-hands-on-deck game if needed on Thursday.

Roster Moves: Arraez Out, Otto Kemp In

The team also announced that second baseman Luis Arraez will not be on the Phillies Wild Card roster after suffering a left ankle sprain on Friday night, with Otto Kemp taking his place. The team will also carry three catchers, with Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán joining starter J.T. Realmuto.

Projecting the Game 1 Lineup Against Left-Hander Chris Sale

With Arraez out, the team will likely start Edmundo Sosa at third and Bryson Stott at second in Game 1 against Sale, a lefty.

With Sale pitching, Mattingly hinted that Derek Hill will play center and Bryan De La Cruz will be in left over Brandon Marsh.

Broadcast and Post-Game Coverage Information

You can listen to the Phillies and Braves with Game 1 starting at 2 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN.  The Sports Bash will be live at a special start time, from noon til 2 p.m., and then, as soon as the game is over, the Sports Bash will have post-game analysis.