The Atlanta Braves visit the Philadelphia Phillies to open a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET on April 17, 2026.
As of now, Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA) is starting for the Braves. Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Phillies.
Before this matchup, the Braves held a strong record of 12-7 and were first in the NL East. In contrast, the Phillies struggled with an 8-10 record, placing them fourth in the division.
Drake Baldwin has emerged as a key player for Atlanta, hitting five home runs this season—ranking him 12th in MLB. Meanwhile, Matt Olson also boasts five home runs with a batting average of .293.
On the other side, Bryce Harper has a batting average of .258 and four home runs to his name. Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with six home runs this season, ranking seventh in MLB.
The Braves rank among the top five teams in several categories: home runs, runs per game, extra-base hits, and batting average. This offensive prowess contrasts sharply with the Phillies’ recent struggles.
The Phillies have lost three consecutive series—most recently back-to-back at home against Arizona and Chicago. This ongoing slump puts additional pressure on them as they face a dominant Braves lineup.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to either lineup or injuries affecting key players.
This game is critical for both teams as they navigate their seasons. The Braves aim to maintain their lead while the Phillies seek to reverse their fortunes and make a push for playoff contention.
