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Braves and Phillies Hobble into Big Series As Hottest Teams

By Jake Mastroianni

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies steals second base past Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies steals second base past Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies meet this week as two of the hottest teams in baseball, but both are banged up as well. 

A month ago it looked like the NL East might be a runaway with the New York Mets jumping out to a big lead. But both the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have re-entered the conversation with a huge month of June.

We’re all aware of the Braves’ run in June where they are 19-5, but the Phillies have been just as good going 18-6 this month.

The Braves have moved to within five games of the Mets, while the Phillies are eight back. But both are firmly in the Wild Card discussion with Atlanta currently holding onto the second spot and Philadelphia just two games back of the third spot.

As the two teams get ready to meet for just the second series this year — they split a four-game in Atlanta last month — both enter this week’s series with some significant injuries.

Braves and Phillies: Injuries to Stars Mounting Up

Ronald Acuna Jr. is not listed in the lineup for the first game of the series and could miss it entirely, possibly landing on the IL after fouling a ball off his foot on Saturday.

Over the weekend, Bryce Harper took a 97 MPH fastball off his hand and broke his thumb. It will require surgery and he’ll be out for at least six weeks.

Two of the biggest stars in baseball could be absent for such a huge series.

Of course, the Braves were already without Ozzie Albies and won’t have him for a while.

And earlier in June, the Phillies lost Jean Segura because of a fractured finger.

Just today (Tuesday), the Braves placed closer Kenley Jansen on the IL.

Some good news could be coming for the Braves, but perhaps not in time for this series.

Eddie Rosario started a rehab assignment over the weekend and could be back soon. Meanwhile, Tyler Matzek beings a rehab assignment on Tuesday.

Those could be two big pieces coming back in the next week for the Braves.

Next. Take More Advantage of this Weapon. dark

As for this upcoming series between the Braves and Phillies, neither team will be looking to make excuses as each of these division games between the Mets and Phillies will be extra crucial down the stretch.

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