Braves vs Phillies series preview: Atlanta searches for bounce-back

The Atlanta Braves have been in the news this week, but on the field, the team's play has been lacking. Atlanta was swept by the Baltimore Orioles to begin the week, and at the time of this post, the Braves are 46-55 and struggling mightily.

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Because of the flux related to the starting rotation (i.e. Alex Wood and the rumored trade to Los Angeles), the pitching match-ups for this weekend's series against the Phillies are up in the air. However, we are sure to see Aaron Harang, Matt Wisler and Julio Teheran during the four-game set. On the Philadelphia side, their best starter (Cole Hamels) has been jettisoned to the American League via trade, and none of the remaining names are particularly scary.

In truth, the moves of recent days are based around a full-on rebuild that began before the season started. Still, four games against the Phillies are an appetizing thing for those who are focused on the Braves improving their sinking record, and even on the road, this is a spot where the Braves should win 3 or 4 of the contests.

Regardless, it is safe to assume that the main focus will be on the roster until the trade deadline, with the actual games taking a back seat in the minds of many.

Probable Starters

Thursday, July 30, 7:05 p.m. ET

Shelby Miller (ATL)

20 starts, 5-7 W-L, 2.27 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 2.91 BB/9, 7.58 K/9, 0.50 HR/9

Aaron Harang (PHI)

17 starts, 4-11 W-L, 4.08 ERA, 4.07 FIP, 2.29 BB/9, 6.20 K/9, 1.02 HR/9

Friday, July 31, 7:05 p.m. ET

Matt Wisler (ATL)

7 starts, 5-1 W-L, 3.43 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 2.57 BB/9, 5.57 K/9, 0.86 HR/9

***Philadelphia's starter has not been announced***

Saturday, August 1, 7:05 p.m. ET

Starter TBA Alex Wood (ATL)*

20 starts, 7-6 W-L, 3.54 ERA, 3.39 FIP, 2.72 BB/9, 6.79 K/9, 0.60 HR/9

Aaron Nola (PHI)

2 starts, 1-1 W-L, 3.29 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 1.98 BB/9, 7.90 K/9, 1.98 HR/9

Sunday, August 2, 1:35 p.m. ET

Julio Teheran (ATL)

21 starts, 6-6 W-L, 4.71 ERA, 4.60 FIP, 3.55 BB/9, 7.67 K/9, 1.30 HR/9

Adam Morgan (PHI)

6 starts, 2-2 W-L, 4.05 ERA, 5.29 FIP, 2.70 BB/9, 5.40 K/9, 1.62 HR/9