PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies’ last two seasons have been characterized by modest starts and strong finishes.

Those helped carry them into the 2022 World Series and 2023 National League Championship Series after an excruciating 10-year postseason drought.

As the 2024 season commences Friday at Citizens Bank Park, they’ll hope to launch a more consistent season-long drive toward the playoffs that may not require such a late flourish.

Certainly, they’ll be egged on by an enthusiastic and likely sun-splashed crowd at the sold-out stadium, with the opener moved back 24 hours to avoid the rain.

The six-time defending NL East champ Atlanta Braves, whom the Phillies stunned in the last two National League Division Series, are visiting, which should stir spirits even more.

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Projected Phillies opening-day lineup

Zach Wheeler, recent recipient of a three-year, $126 million contract extension, earns the opening-day start for the Phillies. He has been as steady as any pitcher in baseball in his four seasons with the Phillies, winning 43 games and logging a 3.06 ERA.

Spencer Strider, whom the Phillies beat in Games 1 and 4 of the NLDS, will be on the mound for Atlanta.

The Phillies batting order, therefore, could be identical to what manager Rob Thomson used in those games and look like this, though J.T. Realmuto could be moved up to the cleanup spot:

1-Kyle Schwarber, DH

2-Trea Turner, SS

3-Bryce Harper, 1B

4-Alec Bohm, 3B

5-Bryson Stott, 2B

6-J.T. Realmuto, C

7-Nick Castellanos, RF

8-Brandon Marsh, LF

9-Johan Rojas, CF

Can Rojas be a hit at the plate?

Johan Rojas proved to be a defensive sensation after his July call-up. The now-24-year-old product of the Dominican Republic quickly earned a reputation as a premier center-fielder.

That allowed the Phillies to get Kyle Schwarber out of left field and into the DH spot, with the reliable Brandon Marsh sliding over to left field.

Whatever Rojas gave the Phillies at the plate was viewed as a bonus. He was better than expected, hitting .302 with a couple of homers and 14 stolen bases to go with his .772 OPS.

That did not carry over, however, into the postseason. Rojas was an easy out, batting just .093 (4-for-43).

Rojas was given a set of adjustments to his swing by hitting coach Kevin Long aimed at more contact. And while his spring numbers were dismal – a .170 batting average and .478 OPS – the Phillies have reportedly been happy with his approach.

The free-agent signing of Whit Merrifield, the 35-year-old former Wilmington Blue Rock with a career .284 average, gives Thomson a late-inning potential offensive replacement. But Rojas becoming a more reliable offensive threat himself will certainly fuel the Phillies.

Bryson Stott: Star in the making?

Bryson Stott made monumental improvements from his rookie season in 2022 to last year.

It’s quite possible the former first-round draft pick can raise his ceiling even more this year with his smart and, he hopes, more disciplined approach at the plate.

He has a good eye but hopes to chase less and thereby earn more walks and make better contact this season.

Stott batted .280, up from .234, and saw his OPS go from .653 to .748 last year. His 15 homers and 31 stolen bases demonstrated all-around talent that, Phillies fans will hope, grows even more.

That's a relief

Improved relief pitching the past two seasons has buoyed the Phillies and they’ll hope to be even better this year.

Late-season 2023 sensation Orion Kerkering is on the injured list due to an illness but should boost the bullpen when he’s ready in a few weeks.

Craig Kimbrel’s welcomed-by-many departure opens up more closing opportunities for Jose Alvarado and perhaps Kerkering, Seranthony Dominguez and Jeff Hoffman, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2023. Matt Strahm remains a reliable left-hander fit for virtually any situation.

Most intriguing about the bullpen’s possibilities is that Yunior Marte and Luis Ortiz had strong springs. Marte didn’t allow an earned run in 10 innings and struck out seven. The hard-throwing Ortiz exhibited improved control while striking out 10 in 10 spring innings.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Phillies projected Opening Day lineup 2024 vs. Atlanta Braves in MLB