On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves announced their roster for the 2026 National League Wild Card Series. For the most part, the roster doesn't feature many surprises. However, there was one decision that may surprise fans. Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez made the roster.
Tellez appeared in only seven total games with Atlanta this season. He hit just .200 in those games, but he did record a .773 OPS and one home run. Tellez, who hit 35 home runs back in 2022 with the Milwaukee Brewers, features power from the left side of the plate.
Still, the decision to include Tellez on the NL Wild Card roster was unexpected. Tellez will likely be used off the bench in pinch-hit situations.
The Braves are playing the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Wild Card Series. It should be a thrilling series between the NL East rivals. Although Atlanta had the better regular season, Philadelphia knows anything can happen once the postseason begins.
However, Chris Sale is set to start Game 1 for Atlanta. Sale, of course, is among the best pitchers in the league. He is a nightmare matchup for Philadelphia as a left-handed pitcher, especially considering the fact that many of the Phillies' best bats hit left-handed.
Nevertheless, the Phillies will be ready for the matchup. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are capable of hitting left-handed pitching. Sale presents an especially challenging matchup, but Philadelphia's sluggers certainly will not back down from the competition.
Game 1 of the series will begin at 2 PM ET in Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon.