Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ray Kerr throws during the first inning of a baseball game, against the Miami Marlins Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have left-hander Ray Kerr make his first career postseason appearance as the opener against the Philadelphia Phillies in Thursday night's decisive game of the NL Wild Card Series.

The Braves announced the decision Thursday.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Sign in to hide this notification.

Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola is expected to start for the Phillies. Nola was 7-12 with a 4.67 ERA in the regular season.

Braves right-hander Grant Holmes (10-6, 3.44) is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind Kerr. On Sept. 25, Kerr threw three scoreless innings as the opener at Miami and Holmes allowed one run in four innings of a 3-0 loss.

Article continues after sponsor message

Kerr, 32, was recalled by Atlanta on Aug. 16 and he made his first major league appearance in more than two years the following day. Kerr underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and didn’t pitch at all in 2025.

Kerr posted a 1.47 ERA in nine games with Atlanta.

The Phillies beat the Braves 4-3 in 10 innings on Wednesday to force the decisive game of the best-of-three series.

___

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

 

More like this:

Austin Riley's 3-run homer off Jhoan Duran rallies Braves past Phillies 5-3 in NLWCS opener
2 days ago
Harper atones for outfield gaffe, Bohm homers in 10th as Phillies beat Braves 4-3 to force Game 3
Yesterday
From collapse to clinch, Phillies survive 'living hell' of last week and win final NL wild card
4 days ago
Atlanta Braves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with victory over Astros
Sep 18, 2026
Thin MLB crowds in Atlanta, Houston reflect challenge of selling afternoon Wild Card Series tickets
Yesterday