ATLANTA -- Aaron Nola will try to get the Phillies back to Los Angeles for a rematch with the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
He will start Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Braves on Thursday night at Truist Park, according to sources, though no official announcement had been made yet. Expect almost everybody else on the Phillies’ pitching staff to be available to help because it’s win or go home.
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly, pitching coach Caleb Cotham and other team officials gathered more than an hour after Wednesday’s dramatic, come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Braves in 10 innings in Game 2 to talk about their Game 3 pitching plans. Mattingly indicated on Monday that Nola was working toward starting Game 3.
Ultimately, Nola’s the most rested starter, so that’s what they chose.
Thursday's Game 3, airing on NBC and Peacock, will start at 8 p.m. ET.
“Obviously it's another elimination game,” Mattingly said. “I think three out of the last four have been elimination games, so I'm assuming it'll be pretty much all hands on deck.”
Zack Wheeler started Sunday’s regular-season finale, the Phillies’ first of three elimination games this week. Wheeler, who threw 97 pitches, could be available out of the bullpen.
The thought of Wheeler not pitching in a postseason series seems almost impossible.
“Again, all hands on deck tomorrow,” Mattingly said.
Left-hander Jesús Luzardo, who started Game 1 on Tuesday, said he would be available in the bullpen. He discreetly moved to the Phillies’ bullpen late in Game 2, just in case his team needed him. Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter tossed three scoreless innings of relief to win Game 2. He also said he would be available.
“Yeah, everything on the line,” Painter said. “Luzardo would make fun of me if I didn't. I'm 23. He says I should be good every day.”
It’s unclear if closer Jhoan Duran will be available. He threw 27 pitches over two innings in Tuesday’s Game 1 loss. He was not available in Game 2, Mattingly said.
After Duran played catch on Wednesday afternoon, he gestured with his hand that he felt iffy, but he said he hoped to feel better after receiving pregame treatment.
He didn’t improve enough to pitch.
“We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow,” Mattingly said.
Nola last pitched on short rest on Saturday against Tampa Bay, allowing four hits and three runs in one inning in a 12-1 loss. But after posting a 6.04 ERA in 17 starts through June 29, he had a 3.12 ERA in his final 15 starts before Sunday.
Nola had a 4.50 ERA in three starts against Atlanta this season.