Phillies Opening Day Lineup: Familiar face leading off against the Braves
The Phillies' starting nine is set for their Opening Day tilt against the division rival Braves.
The Philadelphia Phillies had to wait an extra day to get the 2024 regular season underway, but now Opening Day is finally here. With Thursday's home opener against the Atlanta Braves postponed due to wet, soggy weather passing through the Philadelphia area, manager Rob Thomson and his coaching staff had an extra night's sleep to ponder the first lineup of the season.
Not that Thomson had much to think about. With a team full of returning starters, loaded with veteran stars, most fans could have guessed what the Opening Day lineup would look like. But now we have confirmation. The Phillies released the Game 1 lineup well ahead of the scheduled 3:05 p.m. ET start time when they will renew their fierce NL East rivalry with the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
One of the questions leading up to Opening Day was whether Kyle Schwarber would take his usual spot at the top of the order. We actually found out that answer on Thursday in Thomson's media availability. According to Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation, Schwarber will indeed be leading off again, at least for today.
Phillies and Braves sending their aces out for Opening Day
One decision that was made well ahead of time is the Phillies' Opening Day starter. Ace Zack Wheeler will take the ball in what promises to be an epic showdown with Braves ace Spencer Strider.
Wheeler had a strong spring training, which included a hefty three-year, $126 million extension. The right-hander is making his first Opening Day start and faces the potent Braves offense, which he saw three times during the regular season in 2023. Wheeler held them to a .186 batting average and a .674 OPS last year, finishing with a 2-0 record, 3.32 ERA, and 21 strikeouts in 19 innings — including an eight-inning, 12-strikeout effort last May.
Spencer Strider, also making his first Opening Day start, is coming off an impressive 20-5 season in which he struck out 281 batters in 186 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old went 4-0 in four starts against the Phillies in 2023, logging 38 strikeouts in 26 innings and holding Phillies hitters to a .192 average and .512 OPS.
Without further ado, let's get to the Phillies' Opening Day lineup.
Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day lineup, March 29
- 1. DH Kyle Schwarber
- 2. SS Trea Turner
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. C J.T. Realmuto
- 5. 3B Alec Bohm
- 6. 2B Bryson Stott
- 7. RF Nick Castellanos
- 8. LF Brandon Marsh
- 9. CF Johan Rojas
Atlanta Braves Opening Day lineup, March 29
- 1. RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
- 2. 2B Ozzie Albies
- 3. 3B Austin Riley
- 4. 1B Matt Olson
- 5. DH Marcell Ozuna
- 6. CF Michael Harris II
- 7. C Sean Murphy
- 8. SS Orlando Arcia
- 9. LF Jarred Kelenic
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?
- Game time: 3:05 p.m. ET
- NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
- The Braves broadcast will be on Bally Sports South.
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Braves fans can tune into the game on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM.
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