PHILADELPHIA — The Braves’ game against the Phillies on Wednesday was postponed because of rain.
Instead, the teams will play a split doubleheader Thursday at Citizens Bank Park — Game 1 at 1:05 p.m. and Game 2 at 6:45 p.m.
AJ Smith-Shawver, originally scheduled to pitch today for the Braves, will start Game 1 of the doubleheader opposite Cristopher Sanchez. Chris Sale will face Zack Wheeler, the Phillies’ original starter for today, in the second game.
If the teams were not going to play today — which seemed the likely scenario given the terrible forecast — then a Thursday doubleheader is the best scenario for the Braves. The teams already had Thursday’s series finale on the schedule at 6:45 p.m., meaning the Braves would by flying late at night. So, why not add a game before that?
This way, the Braves don’t have to travel to Philadelphia to make up the game on a mutual off day with the Phillies. The teams also play here in late August, but that’s a four-game series and making it a five-game series wasn’t preferable for anyone.
The Braves will be able to call up a 27th man for the doubleheader, so they’ll have an extra man in the bullpen if necessary.
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