Who Will the Phillies Play Next in the 2023 MLB Playoffs?
By Tyler Maher
After winning Game 1 against the Miami Marlins and building a lead in the middle of Game 2, the Philadelphia Phillies are already looking ahead to their next potential postseason opponent.
Luckily for Philly, the team already knows who it will be playing if it finishes off the Marlins and advances. With that in mind, here's a look ahead at the Phillies' opponent for the 2023 NL Division Series, assuming they hold on to win Game 2.
Who Will the Phillies Play Next in the 2023 MLB Playoffs?
If Philadelphia takes down Miami in the NL Wild Card series, the Phillies would then face the 1-seed Atlanta Braves in the NLDS.
The Braves finished the 2023 season with the best record in baseball at 104-58 and entered the postseason as betting favorites to win the World Series. Atlanta received a bye for the Wild Card Round by virtue of having one of the two best records in the National League.
As Phillies fans know firsthand, the Braves are a dangerous team. Led by likely NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., their offense is the best in baseball. It's also historically good, finishing the regular season with the most home runs (307) and highest slugging percentage (.501) in MLB history. They have plenty of pitching as well, making them a true juggernaut.
Atlanta and Philadelphia squared off 13 times during the regular season, with the Braves taking the season series 8-5 and outscoring the Phillies 74-58. Philly made a strong statement the last time they clashed, however, taking two of three from Atlanta in September.
While the Braves will be well-rested, they may also be a bit rusty. The Phillies will come into this series swinging hot bats and with a ton of momentum after knocking off a different NL East rival in the Wild Card Round.
If these teams do meet in the NLDS, these divisional foes will begin their series on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Truist Park in Atlanta. The game will air on TBS but the time has yet to be determined.
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