Phillies-Braves preview

7:35 p.m., Turner Field, Atlanta. TV: Channel 17. Radio: WPHT (1210-AM); WUBA (1480-AM) Spanish.

TONIGHT'S PITCHERS

Phillies RHP Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.76) vs. Braves RHP Brandon Beachy (0-1, 2.89)

WHO'S HOT

Ben Francisco: The reserve outfielder played sparingly during the stretch run but has made the most of his at-bats since the Phils clinched their fourth straight NL East title. In a 7-1 win over the Nationals, he hit two home runs. The night before, he went 2-for-4.

WHO'S NOT

Placido Polanco: The third baseman, who had a cortisone injection in his left elbow on Wednesday, hasn't played since Monday's clincher but is expected to see action in at least one game this weekend. Polanco and catcher Carlos Ruiz are tied for the team lead with a .298 batting average.

THREE MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Braves vs. Spoilers: With homefield advantage throughout the playoffs locked up, the Phillies have little to gain through victory. The Braves, meanwhile, are locked in a tight race with the Padres for the wild card. Atlanta's three-game sweep over the Marlins gave them a 1 1/2-game heading into yesterday.

Kyle Kendrick vs. Braves: Kendrick endured two brief demotions to the minors - once in spring training and once in July - but will be making his career-high 31st start, and likely last, of the season. Kendrick probably will head to the bullpen for the playoffs unless the Phillies decide to send him to the instructional league to stay sharp for a potential emergency playoff start.

Phillies vs. Brandon Beachy: Beachy made his major league debut against the Phils, a 3-1 loss on Sept. 20. The Phils scored three runs against him in 4 1/3 innings, but only one of those runs was earned. In his last start, Beachy held the Nationals to two runs in five innings while striking out nine. Beachy was forced into action thanks to a knee injury to Jair Jurrjens, who threw 45 pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday and is hoping to pitch in the postseason if the Braves make it.

UPCOMING PROBABLES

Tomorrow at Atlanta: Phillies TBA vs. Braves RHP Tommy Hanson (10-11, 3.41)

Sunday at Atlanta: Phillies TBA vs. Braves RHP Tim Hudson (16-9, 2.76)