The Philadelphia Phillies host the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. Zack Wheeler gets the start for Philadelphia, squaring off against Dustin May for Milwaukee. With September in full swing and the regular season winding down, every game at Broad and Pattison carries weight. This one is no exception. Fans can catch the action on NBCSP locally or listen in on 94 WIP.

Phillies vs. Brewers Starting Pitchers: Wheeler Against May

Zack Wheeler is Philadelphia's assignment here, and that alone should steady any nerves in the stands. Wheeler has been one of the most reliable arms in the National League for several seasons running, and his presence in a late-September start is exactly the kind of comfort a pitching staff can offer a contending club. He generates swing-and-miss stuff at an elite level, works deep into games, and handles tough lineups without flinching.

Milwaukee counters with Dustin May, the hard-throwing right-hander who has moved around a bit in his career. May has the arm to keep hitters off-balance, and the Brewers will lean on him to steal a win in a ballpark that has not always been kind to opposing starters. This is a legitimate pitching matchup worth watching from the first inning.

Philadelphia Phillies Lineup to Watch

Manager Rob Thomson is rolling out a loaded lineup from top to bottom. Here is how the Phillies are set to line up Tuesday night:

• 1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
• 2. Trea Turner, SS
• 3. Bryce Harper, RF
• 4. Luis Arraez, 2B
• 5. Alec Bohm, 1B
• 6. Bryson Stott, 3B
• 7. J.T. Realmuto, C
• 8. Brandon Marsh, LF
• 9. Justin Crawford, CF

Schwarber at the top sets the tone. He is one of the most dangerous leadoff hitters in the game, with the kind of power that punishes any mistake May leaves over the plate. Turner and Harper behind him keep the pressure on immediately. What stands out further down the order is Luis Arraez hitting fourth — a contact-first hitter in that spot speaks to how the Phillies want to keep the line moving and make opposing pitchers work deep into counts. Realmuto brings his veteran presence behind the dish, and Justin Crawford hitting ninth gives the lineup a second table-setter quality at the bottom.

Keys to the Game

• Wheeler's command early: If he establishes his fastball and slider combination in the first two innings, Milwaukee's lineup will have a long night ahead.
• Schwarber versus May: This is the matchup that could define the game's early momentum. May needs to be sharp against the left-handed slugger or risk a crooked number before the Brewers even settle in.
• Citizens Bank Park crowd: A September home game with playoff implications in the air means the atmosphere will be alive. The Phillies have historically fed off that energy.
• Crawford in center: Keep an eye on the young outfielder batting ninth. His speed and plate discipline at the bottom of the order can manufacture opportunities that the top of the lineup cashes in.

Prediction

Wheeler on the mound at home is about as good a situation as the Phillies can put themselves in. Trust the ace, trust the lineup, and trust Citizens Bank Park to do its part. Philadelphia wins this one, 4-1.