All according to plan: Sale slated for Game 3 duel vs. Dodgers with extra rest

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale is scheduled to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Truist Park. The decision gives the veteran left-hander full rest following a relief outing in the Wild Card Series clincher against the Philadelphia Phillies. Braves manager Walt Weiss chose to hold Sale back rather than pitch him on short rest in Game 2.

Weiss and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos opted against starting Sale in Game 2 to avoid getting a diminished pitcher across multiple games. After a bullpen effort secured a victory on Sunday, Sale will now start with a full week of rest since his previous postseason start, with Tyler Mahle slated for Game 4.