The Braves-Phillies rivalry never lacks enthusiasm. Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia, with his apparent stare down of Phillies MVP Bryce Harper on Wednesday, revived one storyline that seemed concluded.
These division rivals have met in consecutive Octobers, with the Phillies eliminating the division-champion Braves both times. The 2023 edition was particularly contentious partly thanks to Arcia’s in-clubhouse comment about Harper.
After Harper was doubled up in a gaffe that ended Game 2, Arcia yelled, “atta boy, Harper,” which was printed by one publication and took on a life of its own. The Phillies turned it into a rallying cry. The Braves expressed displeasure that it reached the public…