Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Opening Day Preview: Rain Delays, Key Stars, Predictions and More

Rain might dampen the outfield, but it definitely won’t dampen the rivalry between these two teams! With the Atlanta Braves now visiting the Philadelphia Phillies on March 29, this epic NL East rivalry is set to electrify the league. It’s the best team in baseball (arguably) going up against its kryptonite. Will the Braves finally defeat the ghost of their past or will the Phillies start their season with a bang? 

These teams have dominated the NL East for a few years now. But that has given birth to a great rivalry. With the two teams constantly in the mix for that elusive World Series spot, this Opening Day game’s importance has increased even more. With so much at stake for both the Braves and the Phillies – Who will hold the bragging rights after this clash? 

A tale of revenge and continued domination starts in NL East 

Spencer Strider vs Zack Wheeler to start this battle 

The 25-year-old Spencer Strider is expected to start the season for the first time in his career. The Braves’ pitcher went 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA in 2023. Combined with the WHIP of 1.093, Strider was one of the biggest shining points of this amazing Bravos team. But the Fightin’ Phils’ pitching staff isn’t any short of talent. 

Zack Wheeler was highly impressive for the Phils last season. With an ERA of 3.61 and a 13-6 record, he set the stage for the epic NLCS run. With this being Wheeler’s first season after that humongous $126 million deal, all eyes are on the ace to continue the winning record of the Phils against their NL East rivals.

Braves look to get the sweet taste of revenge 

The Braves cannot forget their last two seasons’ trauma. The Phillies have stopped their unyielding juggernauts in two consecutive NLDS. In fact, the Braves have never won any postseason series against the Phils. While this is still a regular season game, defeating a team that has become their biggest nightmare would certainly act as a sweet start for America’s Team.

With the Bravos once again having a stronger team on paper, they’ll be heading into this game with an advantage clearly on their side. But will they be able to stop Bryce Harper and Trea Turner’s bats?

The Phillies are looking to end their 13-year streak finally

Despite constant postseason presence, the Philadelphia Phils haven’t won their division since 2011. With the team looking to reach the World Series once again, winning the division would certainly make things easier for them. However, the Bravos remain their biggest competition.

So an early win over their biggest rivals will surely boost the morale of this ever-growing Phils squad. But with Ronald Acuna Jr. expected to start, pressure will be high on the Phils to control this Braves’ superstar. But that raises the question – what do the odds say about this matchup?

Read more: MLB 2024 Preview: Top Five Offensive Players This Season

Philadelphia Phillies vs the Atlanta Braves – NL East on the line

The Braves are heading into this game as heavy favorites. That isn’t surprising as the team’s lineup is almost the same as 2023. With so much firepower in their ranks, the Bravos remain in the upper echelon of the National League. 

According to USAToday, the BetMGM sportsbook puts the Atlanta Braves at -123 and the Philadelphia Phillies at +104. Simply put the Braves’ chances at revenge are far higher than ever.

Another interesting fact is that last season, the Atlanta-based team won 63.8% or 97 of the 152 games in which they were the favorites. On the other hand, the Phillies won 25 of the 53 games they were underdogs in.

So clearly the odds currently favor the Braves. Still, with the Phils having the Bravos’ number – this will be a great contest.

Read more: MLB Predictions: Division Odds and Winning Picks for 2024