Don Mattingly may have taken the words “Wild Card” a bit too literally in Thursday's win-or-go-home showdown with the Atlanta Braves. The Philadelphia Phillies interim manager chose to start All Star-turned-unpredictable-hurler Aaron Nola instead of the often reliable Zack Wheeler in the decisive Game 3 of this National League Wild Card Series. The controversial move immediately blew up in Philly's face.

Nola allowed a three-run homer to Braves center fielder Michael Harris II in the bottom of the first inning, forcing the visitors to make an arduous climb if they are going to reach the divisional round. Even though Wheeler is on short rest (pitched on Sunday with his team's playoff hopes on the line), there was never much doubt that the two-time Cy Young runner-up would take the mound in Truist Park.

Therefore, many fans, and NBC's broadcasting crew, are confused by Mattingly's choice to use him out of the bullpen. If Philadelphia is unable to mount a comeback, the Nola call could unfortunately define Donnie Baseball's time in the City of Brotherly Love.

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