MIAMI -- The Phillies shuffled their rotation for this weekend's series against the Mets at Citi Field, and the move sets up Aaron Nola to face the Braves twice in the season's final 11 games. Philadelphia plays Atlanta seven times during that stretch, and it could decide who wins the National League East.
Previously, Nola had been scheduled to face Atlanta once. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA in three starts against the Braves this season.
Nola will pitch this Friday night's series opener against the Mets. Zach Eflin, who was originally scheduled to open the series, will start Saturday. Vince Velasquez will get Sunday's finale as scheduled.
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Nola is 15-4 with a 2.23 ERA in 28 starts this season. He is in a three-pitcher race for the NL Cy Young Award, with the Mets' Jacob deGrom (8-8, 1.68 ERA) and the Nationals' Max Scherzer (16-6, 2.28 ERA). deGrom is believed to be the favorite, but a strong final month would help Nola's chances.
Following Friday's start, Nola is scheduled to pitch Sept. 12 vs. the Nationals, Sept. 18 vs. the Mets, Sept. 23 in Atlanta and Sept. 28 vs. the Braves.
Franco has wrist examined
Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco flew to Philadelphia on Wednesday to have a specialist examine his right wrist. It has been sore and swollen for more than a week. Franco is expected to have an MRI and rejoin the team Friday in New York.
Todd Zolecki has covered the Phillies since 2003, and for MLB.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.