In a series that is shaping up to be another instant classic between the bitter NL East rivals, it now all comes down to Game 3 on Thursday. A Phillies win would set up an NLDS rematch from last year against the Dodgers, while the Braves hope to punch their ticket to the NLDS for the first time since 2023.
“Just win a game,” said Phillies infielder Alec Bohm, who hit the game-winning homer in the Phillies’ 4-3 extra-inning victory in Game 2. “ … I think as much as we want to enjoy this for a little bit, it's the same as we did [after Game 1]: Turn the page, and move on to tomorrow and show up ready to do the same thing.”
So, what could the Phillies and Braves possibly have in store for their winner-take-all showdown?
While that’s the biggest question looming over the National League Wild Card Series, it’s far from the only one. Here’s everything you need to know about Game 3:
When is the game and how can I watch it?
Thursday's Game 3, airing on NBC and Peacock, will start at 2 p.m. ET unless it is the only remaining series. In that case, Phillies-Braves would start at 8 p.m. ET.
The Wild Card Series will be available in Spanish on Universo, while Univision Radio will provide Spanish language audio coverage. ESPN Radio will provide live national coverage of all 2026 MLB postseason games, beginning with the Wild Card Series.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Phillies: TBD
The Phillies planned to meet following Game 2 to discuss their pitching plans for this week’s third elimination game. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said Monday that Aaron Nola was setting up to start Game 3, but there’s no question things can change. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see ace Zack Wheeler start on short rest. If he doesn’t start, there’s no doubt he’d enter the game in relief.
Left-hander Jesús Luzardo, who started Game 1, and right-hander Andrew Painter, who pitched three innings in relief in Game 2, both said they would be available, too.
Braves: TBD
Grant Holmes will attempt to handle the bulk of the innings. But the Braves haven’t said whether he’ll start or possibly follow an opener. The top options to open are left-handers Ray Kerr or Brent Suter. Either would be tasked with handling Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber in the first inning.
What might the starting lineups look like?
Phillies: The Phillies might be without Edmundo Sosa, who left Game 2 with a right leg injury. That would move Harper back to first base and probably put Derek Hill in right field.
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Kyle Schwarber, DH
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Alec Bohm, 3B
5. Bryson Stott, 2B
6. Derek Hill, RF
7. Brandon Marsh, LF
8. J.T. Realmuto, C
9. Justin Crawford, CF
Braves: The Braves’ lineup appears much more formidable against right-handed pitchers. With Mike Yastrzemski in left field, Mauricio Dubón would move to shortstop, which was where Ha-Seong Kim started during the first two games.
1. Drake Baldwin, DH
2. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Michael Harris II, CF
5. Mauricio Dubón SS
6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
7. Austin Riley, 3B
8. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
9. Sean Murphy, C
How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Phillies: Mattingly said it’s “all hands on deck,” although closer Jhoan Duran wasn’t available in Game 2. Mattingly said he hoped he’d have Duran in Game 3. But other than Cristopher Sánchez, who started Game 2, probably every pitcher on the Phillies’ staff will be available in some capacity in Game 3. That’s everybody from Wheeler to Luzardo to Painter.
Braves: Closer Raisel Iglesias and his top setup men Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee both pitched in the first two games of this series. Each should be available in this winner-take-all game. Robert Suarez hasn’t been utilized yet. He missed three months with an elbow ailment before making two appearances last week. But manager Walt Weiss may have no other choice but to turn to the right-hander, who posted a 0.56 ERA in 31 appearances before his elbow became a problem in June.
Any injuries of note?
Phillies: Luis Arraez is not on the roster for this series after badly spraining his left ankle on Thursday. Sosa said he felt better after Game 2, but his Game 3 status is unclear.
Braves: OF Lane Thomas could be available during the NLDS. Starting pitchers Bryce Elder (arthroscopic knee surgery), Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation) and Martín Pérez (lower back discomfort) may also be available in future rounds.
Who is hot and who is not?
Phillies: Home runs often come in bunches for Schwarber and Harper. Did their back-to-back homers in the eighth inning in Game 2 get them going? Bohm is 3-for-8 with one double and one home run in the series. After struggling all season, Realmuto has two hits and two RBIs this series.
Braves: Harris is 4-for-8 through the first two games and Dubón is 3-for-9. Acuña is 0-for-6. Austin Riley’s game-winning home run in Game 1 stands as Atlanta’s only homer thus far.
Anything else fans might want to know?
The Phillies are 1-3 in franchise history in win-or-go-home postseason games. They won Game 5 of the 1980 NLCS. They lost Game 7 of the 2023 NLCS, Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS and Game 5 of the 1981 NLDS.