Dodgers Poised to Exploit Braves' Pitching Strain in NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers may gain a significant advantage in their National League Division Series matchup against the Atlanta Braves due to the Braves' strained pitching staff. Ace pitcher Chris Sale, who delivered a dominant performance against the Dodgers just five weeks prior, might have limited availability in the early games of the series.

Five weeks ago, Sale pitched a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers at Truist Park, striking out 11 batters and allowing only five hits without issuing a walk. However, a decision by Braves manager Walt Weiss to use Sale in relief during the decisive Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies means he may not be available for Game 1 or Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. "A lot’s going to depend on how Chris feels," Weiss stated.

The Braves' path to the NLDS was taxing, stretching their Wild Card Series against the Phillies to the maximum three games. Key bullpen arms, including Raisel Iglesias, Didier Fuentes, and Dylan Lee, pitched on consecutive days, with Fuentes pitching again in the series finale. In their bullpen game on Thursday, the Braves utilized six pitchers, including Sale, who pitched the final four outs of a four-run game just two days after starting Game 1 and pitching 6 1/3 innings.

This heavy usage has raised concerns about the depth of Atlanta's bullpen, considered one of the best in baseball during the regular season. "The Phillies series took a lot out of us, as far as our pitching," Weiss acknowledged. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that his team could capitalize on this situation, stating, "The advantage for us is we have an opportunity to not let their pitching staff come up for air."

Compounding the Braves' pitching challenges, sidelined starters Martin Perez and Bryce Elder are not expected to return for the NLDS. This could force Atlanta into bullpen games for at least the first two games of the series. The extensive use of Sale in the Wild Card round could limit him to a single start in the NLDS, and Tyler Mahle remains the only other viable starting pitcher on the roster.

If Sale pitches in Game 2, he would be available to start a potential Game 5 on four days' rest. However, his effectiveness after pitching in relief remains uncertain. Should he start Game 5, he would likely face Tarik Skubal, who would be pitching on five days' rest.

The Dodgers, having secured one of the top two seeds in the National League, earned a bye in the Wild Card round, allowing their pitching staff to rest. This contrasts with their 2021 postseason, where an extra-inning Wild Card win against the Cardinals and a five-game NLDS against the Giants ultimately taxed their pitching, contributing to their elimination by the Braves in the NLCS.