Phillies Shake Up Lineup for Series Opener Against Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup on Friday has a bit of a different look with the team facing a left-handed starter at Citizens Bank Park.

That’s because second baseman Bryson Stott and left fielder Brandon Marsh are not in the lineup on Friday against the first-place Braves.

Strategic Shifts Against the Left-Hander

In Stott's place, utility infielder Edmundo Sosa is back at second and hitting fifth, while Otto Kemp is in left and hitting ninth.

Edmundo Sosa Stays Hot in Utility Role

Sosa has played in three straight games now, going 4-for-9 with a home run and three RBI in the Cubs series.

Otto Kemp Looks to Find His Rhythm in Left Field

As for Kemp, he has struggled in his role as the right-handed platoon player in left field, hitting .125 (2 for 18) with just one walk and a .222 on-base percentage in nine games this year.

Pitching Matchup: Taijuan Walker vs. Martín Pérez

Taijuan Walker (7.36 ERA, 1.90 WHIP) will get the ball for his fourth start on the mound for the Phillies in 2026.

The Braves will counter with left-hander Martín Pérez  (3.14 ERA, 0.97 WHIP in three games).

NL East Standings Impact

The Braves are 12-7 entering the three-game series, first-place in National League East play, 3.5 games ahead of the Phillies, who are 8-10.

This is an important game for the Phillies, with another tough lefty, Chris Sale, going for the Braves on Saturday.  If the Braves win the series, they could take a 5.5-game division lead. If the Braves sweep the series, they will lead the Phillies by 6.5 games in NL East play.