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Chris Sale is set to face Yoshinobu Yamamoto in one of the most compelling pitching matchups of the 2026 postseason when the Atlanta Braves host the Los Angeles Dodgers in National League Division Series Game 3 on Tuesday.
The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. ET first pitch at Truist Park, with both teams entering the contest after splitting the opening two games of the series. The winner will take a critical advantage in the only Division Series so far in which both clubs have secured a victory.
Chris Sale and Yamamoto Create Historic Postseason Duel
Sale and Yamamoto bring impressive October credentials to the mound. Yamamoto, the reigning World Series Most Valuable Player, will make his first appearance of this postseason for the Dodgers. His 2025 campaign ended with a legendary performance, including a six-inning start in World Series Game 6 and a relief appearance in Game 7 the following day.
Sale’s postseason history is also highlighted by a memorable World Series moment. In 2018, while pitching for the Boston Red Sox, he recorded the final three outs of the deciding Game 5 against the Dodgers. He had also started Game 1 of that World Series.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Tuesday’s matchup will be only the third postseason meeting between starting pitchers who had previously closed out a World Series-clinching game.
- The first such matchup took place in 1911 between Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants and Jack Coombs of the Philadelphia Athletics.
- The second came in 1938, featuring Dizzy Dean of the Chicago Cubs and Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees.
- Unlike Sale and Yamamoto, those four pitchers each started and completed a full game in their championship-clinching appearances.
Powerful October Experience Adds to the Stakes
Sale enters the game on regular rest after pitching twice during Atlanta’s Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He worked 6 1/3 innings in Game 1 before returning to the mound to record the final four outs in the decisive Game 3.
There had been speculation that Sale could start Game 2 on short rest. Instead, the Braves selected the more conventional schedule, giving their veteran left-hander time to prepare for the high-pressure showdown with Yamamoto.
“That’s the thing, there should be a lot of talk about Chris Sale, but our guy has been pretty dang good and has been a very good pitcher in the postseason,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday.
Roberts expects both starters to compete deep into the game, emphasizing that the deciding factor could be which offense handles difficult at-bats more effectively.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Roberts said. “I think both pitchers are going to pitch well. And it’s kind of who grinds out at-bats best.”
Chris Sale Looks to Repeat Recent Success Against Dodgers
The Braves lefty has already delivered a standout performance against Los Angeles this season. On Aug. 27, Sale threw a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers, striking out 11 batters. It was his first shutout since 2019.
Yamamoto also pitched effectively in that meeting, allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings. The contrast between the two performances made the game a vintage pitchers’ duel and offered a preview of what Tuesday’s contest could become.
Both starters are expected to receive National League Cy Young votes following strong 2026 regular seasons. However, Sale said previous results will have little influence once the game begins.
“I have too much respect for the game of baseball; I’ve got too much respect for those guys on the other side of the field to think, because of a previous experience, that the next one was going to be anything other than a grind,” Sale said.
His comments reflect the intensity surrounding the matchup. The Braves are relying on Sale’s experience, toughness and ability to navigate pressure-filled innings. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are turning to Yamamoto after his remarkable championship run and expecting him to set the tone in his postseason debut this year.
Why Game 3 Could Define the NLDS
With the series tied, Game 3 carries enormous momentum. A victory would put either Atlanta or Los Angeles one win away from advancing, while the losing club would face immediate elimination pressure in Game 4.
The spotlight will be especially bright on Sale, who has embraced the all-hands-on-deck mentality he learned during his time in Boston. He described postseason baseball as another grind and another battle, with the goal of leaving everything on the field regardless of the final result.
For fans, the matchup offers an unusual blend of elite current form, World Series history and October drama. Whether Sale can duplicate his August dominance or Yamamoto can deliver another signature performance, Tuesday’s game promises to be one of the defining contests of the 2026 postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Chris Sale start against the Dodgers?
Chris Sale is scheduled to start NLDS Game 3 for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET at Truist Park.
Who will Chris Sale face?
Sale will face Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander and reigning World Series MVP.
Why is this pitching matchup historic?
It is only the third postseason matchup between starting pitchers who previously closed out World Series-clinching games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
How did Sale perform against the Dodgers earlier this season?
On Aug. 27, Sale threw a complete-game shutout against Los Angeles and recorded 11 strikeouts.
What is at stake in NLDS Game 3?
The series is tied, so the winner will take a 2-1 lead and move within one victory of advancing to the next round.
