Three Players Who Must Step Up For Phillies In Pivotal Series vs. Braves

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Sep 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber gets ready to bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connectseries against the Atlanta BravesThe Phillies have wrapped up their nine-game road trip, and with a 6-3 record, it was an impressive showing. Philadelphia has been able to gain some ground on the Braves in the division, and they have cut the lead in the division to four games.

Philadelphia and Atlanta will meet seven more times for the rest of the year, but from the Phillies’ perspective, this series at home will be huge. The Phillies have been playing some excellent baseball of late, and the team hopes to clinch a playoff berth soon. This has all the makings of a fun series, and one that the Phillies will be hoping to prove what they are made of.

However, in order to win the set, players are going to need to step up. Here are three players that Philadelphia needs to have a good series. Aug 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryson Stott rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect It has been a nice breakout year for Stott in 2026. The talented infielder has been able to have a great campaign and has also moved over to third base and played the position well Over the last seven days, Stott has been in a slump, slashing 095/.167/.286.

The 28-year-old can be an X-factor for the team when he’s hot, and in an important series against the Braves, his performance will be key. Sep 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Kyle Schwarber reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect While it has been a great season for Schwarber overall, the star slugger has been in a bit of a slump. Over the last 15 days, he has slashed 191/.286/.426 with three home runs and nine RBI.

Furthermore, in the last seven days, the numbers have been worse, with Schwarber slashing .174/.286/.217. If the Phillies are going to have a good series against Atlanta, they will need their star slugger to break out of his mini slump. Aug 30, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect On Saturday night, it will be the star right-hander for the Phillies taking the mound. In August, the production from Wheeler was not great, and the team really needs him to be the ace he has shown for most of the season if they are going to be successful in October.

Fortunately, in his last outing he looked a lot better, and that will hopefully be a sign of things to come. Command has been the main issue for Wheeler with his struggles, and Saturday will be one of his most important starts of the year. Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsNick Ziegler is an alumnus of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.

He has been working in sports media covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL for nearly a decade with various publications online. With his free time, Nick enjoys being at the Jersey Shore with his wife, daughter, and their golden retriever. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @NickZiegler20.

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