PHILADELPHIA -- Spencer Strider’s much-anticipated first Opening Day start has been pushed back a day.

Anticipated rain led the Phillies to postpone their Opening Day game against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park from Thursday to Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live on MLB.TV and Bally Sports South.

• Opening Day FAQ: Braves vs. Phillies

All pitching plans remain the same. So, fans will still see a pair of top National League Cy Young Award candidates when Strider matches up against Zack Wheeler in this season opener. Strider finished fourth in last year’s Cy Young Award balloting, and Wheeler finished sixth.

This pitching matchup adds to the excitement of seeing these two NL East rivals meet again. The Braves produced consecutive 100-win seasons, and they have finished 14 games ahead of the Phillies both years. But the great hope Atlanta carried into both of the past two postseasons was crushed with consecutive NL Division Series losses to Philadelphia.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, I’m trying to win every game,” Strider said. “We treat every team equally. The first game and last game are equally important. We’re going to do everything we can to win on the day we’re playing and utilize what we’ve learned towards being our best in October.”

Tickets and parking (if applicable) for Thursday’s sold-out game will be valid for admission on Friday, March 29.  

Gates will open at 12:35 p.m.

On-field pregame festivities will begin at approximately 2:20 p.m.