The Atlanta Braves set their 2026 National League Wild Card Series roster by carrying 11 pitchers and adding non-roster infielders Rowdy Tellez and Luke Williams from Triple-A Gwinnett for the best-of-three matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park.
Roster Surprises and Pitching Decisions for the Wild Card Series
Setup man Robert Suarez secured one of those 11 pitching spots after missing most of the past three months with a right elbow issue, impressing coaches enough during two appearances last week to earn his place.
The roster decisions leave Atlanta with 15 position players, giving manager Walt Weiss a deep bench to exploit late-game matchups. Speedy DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and backup outfielder Brewer Hicklen both made the cut alongside Dominic Smith, who managed just 12 at-bats since August 22. Potential emergency catcher Kyle Farmer missed the cut.
To accommodate the non-roster additions, the club adjusted its 40-man roster.
How Tellez and Williams Fit Into Atlanta’s Postseason Plans
Tellez provides a left-handed power bat off the bench. While he will not start over Matt Olson at first base, the 31-year-old brings 108 career home runs against right-handed pitching into pinch-hitting spots. Williams, 30, provides defensive versatility across almost every position on the diamond, offering manager Walt Weiss a valuable weapon for late-inning double switches or pinch-running duties.
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Opening Matchups and Series Schedule at Truist Park
The Braves finished the regular season atop the National League East with a 94-68 record, earning home-field advantage against the Philadelphia Phillies, who captured the final NL wild card spot on the final day of the regular season with an 88-74 mark. Atlanta won nine of thirteen head-to-head meetings against Philadelphia during the regular season.
The best-of-three series opens at Truist Park with afternoon starts.
Left-hander Chris Sale takes the mound for Atlanta in Game 1. Sale finished the regular season 14-9 with a 2.16 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 200 strikeouts over 162 2/3 innings. Philadelphia counters in the series opener with left-hander Jesús Luzardo, who posted a 14-5 record, 2.86 ERA, and 221 strikeouts over 179 2/3 innings, though he recently returned from the injured list and threw just one inning on Sunday, Heavy reported.
Game 2 pits Tyler Mahle against Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sánchez.
- Game 1: Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. EDT
- Game 2: Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. EDT
- Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday at 2:00 p.m. EDT
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