The Atlanta Braves aim for a series win against the Philadelphia Phillies, led by pitcher Bryce Elder. The Phillies are struggling with a 10-game losing streak and Zack Wheeler returning from injury.
Key points
Braves have the best record and run differential in MLB.
Phillies are on a 10-game losing streak.
Bryce Elder is effective as a back of the rotation starter.
Zack Wheeler is returning from injury with lower fastball velocity.
Game is on April 25 at Truist Park, Atlanta.
Mentioned in this story
Truist ParkAtlanta
Atlanta BravesPhiladelphia PhilliesBryce ElderZack Wheeler
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With a game 1 win in the books, the Braves maintain the top record and run differential in MLB so far this season. They will now have two chances to secure a series win over Philadelphia and the Phillies have now lost 10 straight. This is an important game for the Phillies, as their ace of the last handful of years is returning in the mound from an injury dating back to last season in Zack Wheeler.
Bryce Elder has had an encouraging start to the season and while he has cooled off a bit from what were two brilliant starts to kick off 2026, he has still been effective as a back of the rotation starter outside of the bad but not catastrophic Cleveland game. Bryce has crucially kept the walks down, but is also currently running a career high strikeout rate. Heâs also been mixing his sinker and four-seamer more instead of being sinker-focused and has added a cutter to keep hitters less keyed in on his preferred fastball shape. This has been a version of Bryce Elder that can be a rotation regular as a 4th or 5th starter in MLB.
We all know how good Zack Wheeler has been for the Phillies in recent years, but coming back from injury firing on all cylinders is no guarantee, especially without a normal Spring Training. He also had a pretty rough final rehab start, giving up 4 runs and 2 homers over 4.0 innings, sitting lower 90s with his fastball. Wheeler seemed to acknowledge the lower 90s as the new reality for his fastball after the game, at least in the near term, discussing the need for him to be âcraftierâ for a while upon his return. This may not be the dominant version of Zack Wheeler weâve come to expect and while it would be a shame for Wheelerâs career to be derailed by this injury, it would be fine with me if the Braves capitalized on him not being fully up to his best on the day today. Wheeler has been a fastball-focused pitcher with his upper 90s velocity, throwing the four-seam fastball 40% of the time, but did throw a sinker, cutter, sweeper, splitter, and curveball all meaningful percentages last season, so he should still have a deep arsenal even if the velocity has taken a hit.
**Game Info**
Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLBTV
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan
Q&A
What time is the Braves vs Phillies game on April 25, 2026?
The Braves vs Phillies game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET on April 25, 2026.
How has Bryce Elder performed this season for the Braves?
Bryce Elder has had an encouraging start to the season, maintaining a career-high strikeout rate while effectively managing walks.
What challenges is Zack Wheeler facing in his return to the Phillies?
Zack Wheeler is returning from an injury and has acknowledged a decrease in fastball velocity, which may affect his performance.
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