CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Braves and Phillies have rejuvenated their rivalry to the point it’s perhaps the best in the National League. That isn’t changing in 2024.
Despite the Braves running away with the NL East the past two years — and winning it six consecutive seasons overall — the Phillies have eliminated the Braves in the past two NL Division Series.
“I think I consider it more of a respectful rivalry,” Phillies starter Aaron Nola said. “Whereas us with the Mets is kind of a different rivalry. I think respected rivalry between us and the Braves. I feel like it’s definitely (heightened) just being matched up against each other during the NLDS the past couple years. But it’s all fun.”
Braves starter Max Fried concurred: “I’d say (Nola’s comment) is a fair characterization. It’s two teams that are very familiar with each other. There are no secrets. … When you’re in the same division, there’s not much to conceal or hide. They’re going to bring their best every time. It’s just a bunch of heavyweights duking it out. They have some great players who play hard, and it’s always fun going against them.”
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler: “It’s always a tough matchup, starting-pitching wise, against that lineup. You have to keep them guessing. We’ve just gotten the better of them in the playoffs the past couple years. So hopefully we can do it again this year if we end up matching up against each other.”