Braves' opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
Keep an eye on: The dugout, where Pete Mackanin has taken over as manager and more changes will come. Mackanin was third base coach under Ryne Sandberg, who stepped down suddenly June 26 after going 119-159 in less than two seasons as Phillies manager. There will be many changes ahead under Andy MacPhail, who will officially take over for Pat Gillick as president at the end of the season. Among the players who could be traded before the deadline at the end of the month? Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jonathan Papelbon, Aaron Harang and Ben Revere.
Who's hot: Cesar Hernandez was 11-for-25 (.440) over his past six games entering Thursday.
Who's not: Ryan Howard was 2-for-16 (.125) in his previous five games entering Thursday.
Braves connection: The Phillies put Harang on the disabled list Thursday with plantar fasciitis. He'd lost eight starts in a row, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to do so since Jim Nash in 1972. He watched his ERA soar from 2.02 at the end of May to 4.08 now. Former Brave Jeff Francoeur has done a little more lately than just start against lefties. He went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs against Washington's Stephen Strasburg, including a home run.
In the news: Chase Utley is on the disabled list with an ankle injury and a .179 batting average. Cesar Hernandez has been playing every day at second base in his absence and playing well. He's reached safely in 10 of his previous 11 games in Utley's absence, while batting .405 (17-for-42) with three doubles and one triple.
