The Atlanta Braves have revealed their Game 1 pitching plan for their National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although we see it more and more in MLB today, teams typically use it less in the playoffs.
Braves will start an opener tomorrow against the Dodgers, per @mlbbowman
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 3, 2026
It's the second consecutive game they'll use an opener pic.twitter.com/jCUFZM4kRU
Atlanta is expected to use an opener Saturday, continuing a pitching strategy they already used during the Wild Card Series.
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Braves turn to another opener
Atlanta has not formally announced its Game 1 starter, but the team is expected to use a bullpen game with left-hander Brent Suter as a potential opener. The Braves used Ray Kerr as an opener in Thursday’s series-clinching win over the Philadelphia Phillies, with Kerr ultimately throwing 3⅓ innings.
The unusual strategy is largely a product of Atlanta’s pitching situation. Chris Sale, who started Game 1 against Philadelphia, was used in relief to close out the Wild Card Series and will not be available to start until at least Game 2 against Los Angeles. Tyler Mahle is also lined up no earlier than Game 3.
That leaves Grant Holmes, J.R. Ritchie and other bullpen options as possibilities for the opening game.
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Atlanta faces a major pitching challenge
The Braves will be trying to navigate a difficult pitching situation against a Dodgers lineup that will enter the series rested after receiving a first-round bye. Los Angeles has several established starters available, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow among the options.
For Atlanta, the opener strategy could allow manager Walt Weiss to mix and match against the Dodgers rather than commit to one traditional starter for a lengthy outing.
Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium, with the Braves looking to take an early advantage in the best-of-five NLDS.
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