Pitching matchups for Braves pivotal series with Phillies

No series in April should be considered a “must-win,” but this feels about as close as it gets for the Braves, who are off to a putrid 1-8 start. Meanwhile, things couldn’t be going better for Philadelphia. They’re 7-2, already six games ahead of Atlanta, and coming off a thrilling series win over the Dodgers, who were undefeated before meeting the Phillies.

Two teams on totally different trajectories to begin the season. Here’s how the pitching matchups will line up for this three-game set.

Braves vs. Phillies Probable Starters

Tuesday: Chris Sale vs. Zack Wheeler

Wednesday: Taijuan Walker vs. Grant Holmes

Thursday: Jesus Luzardo vs. Spencer Schwellenbach 

From a pure baseball perspective, you can’t really ask for more entertaining matchups.

The series kicks off with the two guys that finished in the top-two for the NL Cy Young award last year, with Chris Sale taking home that award. I’m sure that will provide a little added fire to Zack Wheeler’s belly, as he prepares to make his 31st career start against the Braves, owning a 13-8 record with a 2.95 ERA.

The middle game offers a much different vibe but should be just as entertaining. Taijuan Walker was brilliant his first time out, tossing six innings of shutout baseball. However, he was dismal for the Phillies last season, recording a 7.10 ERA over 83.2 innings. On the flip side, the Braves don’t really know what they have in Grant Holmes. He was very good in a multitude of different roles as a rookie in 2024, but now he’s making the transition into a full-time starter. Wednesday night will be a great litmus test to see what the Braves have in him.

The series finale will also be a treat, featuring two guys with tremendous arms that are off to fantastic starts. This will be Jesus Luzardo’s first start against the Braves with the Phillies, but the Braves are very familiar with him from his days with the Marlins. For the good guys, Schwellenbach is on a warpath to begin the season, going 14 innings without allowing a run. He also dominated the Phillies a year ago, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA over three starts.