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Philadelphia Phillies Weekend Preview: Atlanta Braves

By Mike Lacy

Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) is shown during batting practice before a game against the San Diego Padres at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) is shown during batting practice before a game against the San Diego Padres at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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A preview of the weekend series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves

The schedule eases up a bit for the Philadelphia Phillies as they host the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series. The Braves have the worst record in the National League, so this should be a good opportunity for the Phillies to pick up a couple of wins.

Atlanta Braves

Record: 49-83 (5th in National League East)

Manager: Fredi Gonzalez

The last time they met

In late July, the Phillies traveled to Atlanta and split a four-game series. The offense was a bit inconsistent in the series, as they averaged eight runs in the two wins and one run in the two losses.

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What’s the deal with the Braves

Considering how weak the Braves’ offense was in the first half of the season, it really hasn’t been that bad in the second half. They rank a mediocre 16th in scoring since the All-Star break. However, their pitching has remained poor, ranking 25th in ERA during that span.

Believe it or not, they come into the game hot, as they just swept a three-game series from the Padres.

Reason to hate the Braves

The year is 2016. Braves fans are still doing the tomahawk chop. They deserve to suffer.

Braves player who isn’t entirely horrible

Philadelphia Phillies
Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte (11) hits a two RBI single as San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) is shown on the play in the sixth inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Raise your hand if you thought Ender Inciarte would be one of the Braves most valuable players. Admittedly, being one of the most valuable players on the league’s worst team isn’t all that impressive, but Inciarte is having a solid year. He’s combined excellent defense with a strong .346 on-base percentage.

Braves player who is horrible

At one point in his career, Matt Kemp was a legitimate star. Now is not that time. He’s batting .248 with three home runs. I somehow doubt he’ll get too many MVP votes with those numbers.

Phillies player who has been hot lately

Hector Neris continues to have an excellent season. Over the past month, he’s appeared in 13 games and has a minuscule 0.66 ERA. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Neris handling the ninth inning duties for the Phillies in 2017.

Reasons for optimism

As mentioned, the Braves have the worst record in the league. That means they tend to lose a lot of games.

Philadelphia Phillies
Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Joel De La Cruz (60) reacts as he leaves the field after being removed from the game against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Friday’s starter for Atlanta is Joel De La Cruz. He’s made eight starts in his career and has an 0-7 record. That’s not very good.

  • Despite their offense being better in the second half, the Braves still have no power. Freddie Freeman is the only hitter who has much of a chance of hitting a home run.

    • Reasons for pessimism

    1. The Phillies will have to face the Braves’ best pitcher Julio Teheran on Sunday.
    2. The Braves’ bullpen has been pretty good lately, so if the game is close in the late innings, it might be tough for the Phillies to score.
    3. Jake Thompson gets the ball for the Phillies on Sunday, and he hasn’t looked like he’s ready for the big leagues.

    Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

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    Prediction

    The Phillies will win the first two before dropping Sunday’s finale.

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