Phillies vs. Braves: Breaking down the 2026 season series

What did the season series between Philadelphia and Atlanta tell us about the Phillies?

Philadelphia nearly missed the postseason after a September collapse, but it ultimately won the game that mattered the most and now will play a team that it's beaten in the last two postseason series between the two.

Despite losing nine of 13 to Atlanta in the regular season, there were some encouraging signs. One of those was the right arm of ace Zack Wheeler against the Braves.

Wheeler made two starts against Atlanta, going 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 11 innings pitched. Unfortunately for the Phillies, Wheeler was forced to pitch in Sunday's playoff-clinching win, meaning he may not be available until late in the series.

Offensively for Philadelphia against Atlanta, it was a combination of solid production from Bryce Harper and Luis Arraez. Harper slashed .280/.315/.500 with one home run, three doubles, six RBI and a .815 OPS.

Arraez did his usual hitting the ball all over the place against the Braves, posting a slash line of .340/.353/.468 with three doubles, a homer and eight RBI.

Atlanta likely has a slight edge in the series

Wheeler likely being forced to pitch later in the series paired with some injury questions regarding Arraez seems to give the Braves a slight edge in the series.

It is worth nothing that Philadelphia eliminated Atlanta from both the 2022 and 2023 postseason, so they are well aware what it takes to knock the Braves out on the biggest stage.