Free extension for sports fans

Short-handed Braves rotation faces rested Dodgers staff in NLDS

LOS ANGELES -- If the Braves are going to dethrone the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers, they will need to do so while pitting an injury-depleted rotation against a well-rested one.

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 2:26 AM
Short-handed Braves rotation faces rested Dodgers staff in NLDS
Key Things to Know
  • An injury-depleted Atlanta Braves pitching rotation will face a rested Los Angeles Dodgers staff in the NLDS.
  • The Braves are planning a bullpen game for Game 1 before likely starting Chris Sale in Game 2.
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named left-hander Tarik Skubal as the starter for Game 1.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Atlanta Braves will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series with a heavily depleted pitching rotation matched against a rested Dodgers staff. The Braves plan to rely on a bullpen game for Game 1, with Chris Sale expected to start Game 2 and Tyler Mahle tentatively slated for Game 3 following an abdominal tweak.

Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Trade Deadline acquisition Tarik Skubal as the Game 1 starter, with Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto likely to follow. Los Angeles enters the series fully rested after earning a bye through the NL Wild Card Series.

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.