Phillies schedule: 2021 season to begin at home vs. Braves

Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands at first base with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands at first base with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

The Phillies have announced their 162-game schedule for the 2021 season

Just days after their shortened 60-game schedule for the 2020 season was released, the Philadelphia Phillies announced their full 162-game schedule for the 2021 season, slated to begin Thursday, April 1, home against the Atlanta Braves.

After the season-opening series against the Braves, the Phillies will stay home for another three-game set opposite the Mets, before their first road trip, April 9-15 against the same opponents in order.

The Gabe Kapler-led San Francisco Giants were supposed to make an appearance at Citizens Bank Park next month for the first time, but that will have to wait until April 19-21, 2021, barring they don’t first meet in the postseason this fall.

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The Phillies’ 2021 home schedule, part of Bryce Harper‘s third season in red pinstripes, will also feature interleague play against American League East teams for the second straight season.

The Boston Red Sox will play a weekend series in South Philadelphia on May 21-23, followed by the New York Yankees on June 12-13. The Tampa Bay Rays will also play at the venue on August 24-25, as well as the Baltimore Orioles on September 20-22.

Manager Joe Girardi‘s squad will also play against American League East opponents on the road (Toronto, Tampa Bay, Boston, and New York). Ahead of the All-Star Break at the home of the Braves, the Phillies will play a four-game and three-game set at the historic Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, respectively (July 5-11).

It is not yet known whether the universal designated hitter will continue beyond the 2020 season, and prior to the next collective bargaining agreement (after the 2021 season).

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The Phillies will not face the Nationals until May 11-13, a three-game road set. And, just as in this year’s schedule, they will finish the 2021 slate with consecutive road series — September 28-30 against the Braves, and Oct. 1-3 against the Marlins.

The 2021 promotions schedule will be available at a later date. The hope is that fans will be able to return to the ballpark.