Spencer Schwellenbach takes the mound.
After yet another crushing loss on Wednesday night — what else is new? — the Atlanta Braves will look to win their first series of the season against the division rival Phillies on Thursday night.
The pitching matchup in the finale should be a dandy. Spencer Schwellenbach will make his third start of the season and has been superb so far with a 0.00 ERA, 1.49 FIP, 2.12 xFIP and numbers that compare with any pitcher in the game. He looks to have taken that next step after a terrific rookie debut.
Opposing Schwellenbach is lefty Jesus Luzardo, who Philadelphia astutely acquired in the offseason from Miami. Luzardo has been really impressive in the early going with a 1.50 ERA, 1.98 FIP and 2.24 xFIP across 12 innings and two starts. Luzardo’s fastball velocity is up after a down 2024, which is a big reason behind his early success. The Braves haven’t seen many lefty starters this season, so it will be interesting to see what changes (if any) Brian Snitker makes to the frail lineup.
First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET at Truist Park. It can be watched and streamed in all the usual places.