Image Source: MLB.com
Dodgers vs Braves enters a decisive stretch Tuesday, with Atlanta hosting Los Angeles in a pivotal National League Division Series Game 3. The series is tied 1-1, but the Braves now have home-field advantage and a rested ace ready to take the mound.
The matchup carries different levels of urgency for both clubs. Atlanta used a strong bullpen performance to even the series, while the Dodgers are searching for a response after dropping home-field advantage. Chris Sale will start for the Braves against Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series Most Valuable Player.
Dodgers vs Braves: Can Chris Sale Justify Atlanta’s Bold Decision?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Game 3 is whether Braves manager Walt Weiss made the right call by holding Sale out of Game 2. Sale had not started on four days’ rest in months, and he had already thrown 1 1/3 innings to close out Atlanta’s Wild Card Series against the Phillies on Oct. 1.
The decision immediately created pressure. Had Atlanta’s relievers struggled in Game 2, Weiss would have faced criticism for keeping his top starter unavailable. Instead, Ray Kerr and the rest of the bullpen helped the Braves secure the victory, allowing Sale to prepare for Tuesday’s high-profile showdown.
Sale will take the mound with six days of rest. That could be a major advantage against a dangerous Dodgers lineup. His career postseason ERA is 5.83, a number that does not reflect his ability to dominate when his command and breaking pitches are working. The 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner now has a chance to deliver a statement performance.
Yamamoto Brings Championship Experience to Atlanta
Los Angeles will counter with Yamamoto, who enters the game carrying the reputation of a postseason difference-maker. The Japanese right-hander was the winning pitcher in the Dodgers’ championship run and remains one of the club’s most trusted arms in high-pressure situations.
His matchup with Sale gives Game 3 the feel of a classic October pitchers’ duel. Both teams understand that one mistake could change the direction of the series, particularly with Atlanta now positioned to take a 2-1 lead.
The Dodgers will also need more from their offense, including Shohei Ohtani. The superstar has been unusually quiet across his recent postseason games. Over the final four games of the 2025 World Series and the first two games of this NLDS, Ohtani is 5-for-23 with one extra-base hit, three walks and a .569 OPS.
Can Shohei Ohtani Create Another Historic October Moment?
Ohtani’s postseason history makes every at-bat a potential turning point. Last October, he produced one of the most memorable performances in recent baseball history, striking out 10 batters and hitting three home runs in an NLCS game against Milwaukee. He later homered twice and reached base nine times during an 18-inning World Series Game 3.
His recent numbers, however, show a player still looking for his timing. Ohtani dealt with injuries during the second half of the season, and he has not pitched since July 3. Even so, he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the sport. A single swing could transform the Dodgers’ offense and alter the entire series.
That possibility is what makes the Dodgers vs Braves matchup so compelling. Atlanta has momentum, rest and the home crowd. Los Angeles has experience, star power and several players capable of changing a game instantly.
Why Game 3 Could Decide the Series
The winner of Game 3 will move within one victory of advancing to the National League Championship Series. For Atlanta, that would validate Weiss’ pitching strategy and place the club in an excellent position to finish the series at home. A strong outing from Sale could also strengthen the Braves’ belief that their rotation is built for October.
For Los Angeles, the stakes are just as significant. The Dodgers have now lost as many National League playoff games as they did throughout the previous season. Falling behind 2-1 would put additional pressure on their lineup and pitching staff, especially after the club entered the series with championship expectations.
Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on FS1. The spotlight will be on Sale and Yamamoto, but the decisive moments could come from Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts or Atlanta’s bullpen. In a tied playoff series, one powerful inning may be all it takes to create a lasting advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dodgers vs Braves Game 3?
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, with the Braves hosting the Dodgers.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Chris Sale is scheduled to start for Atlanta, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for Los Angeles.
What is the NLDS series score?
The series is tied 1-1 entering Game 3. Atlanta gained home-field advantage after winning Game 2.
Why is Shohei Ohtani a major storyline?
Ohtani has struggled to produce at his usual level during the recent postseason stretch, but his history shows he can change a series with one explosive performance.
