Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
When: Sunday, March 31st at 7:05 EST
How (TV/Radio): ESPN, Braves Radio: WCNN 680 AM & 106.7 FM, Phillies Radio: WIP 94.1 FM
The Braves have surprised a few writers with the news they will feature young pitchers Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson in the second and third spot in the five-man rotation.
The lineup is boosted by the free agent signing of veteran 3B Josh Donaldson, who struggled with injuries in 2018.
Brian Snitkers Braves are currently 10-1 favorites to win the National League. Their win total currently stands at 86 for 2019.
Gabe Kaplers Phillies are looking to put a tough 2018 behind them with a new look lineup that features OFs Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen, SS Jean Segura and C J.T. Realmuto.
The Phillies currently have 6-1 odds to win the National League. Bookmakers have set the Phillies win total for 2019 at 89.
Coming into 2019, the 2017 top-five pick Wright ranked as Braves #2 prospect by MLB.com.
The 23-year old right hander threw 138 innings last season, posting a 3.70 ERA in 20 starts at AA.
With a four-pitch mix, Wright baffles hitters with a fastball that reaches 98-mph and two hard breaking pitches, a power slider and sharp curve that led to 138 strikeouts in 144 innings.
Arrieta has fallen to the 3rd spot in the Phillies rotation after a rough 2018 that saw the right hander continue his decline in skills.
With a swinging strike rate and strikeout rate plunge, Arrieta became vulnerable to left-handed batters who hit .278 off the righty last season.
Since his Cy Young winning season in 2015, where the right-hander posted a 1.77 ERA, Arrieta has posted season ERAs of 3.10 in 16, 3.53 in 17, and 3.96 in 2018.
Atlantas current lineup has had relatively little luck against Arrieta. Veteran OF Nick Markakis, known for his high contact rate, is an anemic 2 for 16 when facing Arrieta.
All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is just 4 for 16 against the righty, with no home runs and 4 RBI.
With Arrietas noticeably diminishing skill set and the hitter-friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park, the Braves could turn their luck around against the veteran pitcher.
The revamped Phillies lineup is one of the most exciting offseason storylines in MLB.
After struggling last season, the new look Philly lineup should be full of tough outs and feature a heart of the order that is nothing but all-stars with Harper, slugger Rhys Hoskins and Realmuto hitting 3rd , 4th and 5th in the order.
If you reside in New Jersey, you can already place bets on MLB games at 888Sport and DraftKings Sportsbook.
888Sport NJ has put the Braves at +138 and the Phillies at -148.
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