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Dodgers fans faced a tense postseason showdown Wednesday night as Los Angeles met the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Truist Park. After the teams split the opening three games, the Dodgers entered with a chance to reach their third straight National League Championship Series, while Atlanta needed a victory to keep its season alive.
The matchup carried extra weight for both clubs. The Braves had already played a winner-take-all game against the Philadelphia Phillies less than a week earlier, and now found themselves in another elimination situation in front of their home crowd. Atlanta outfielder Michael Harris II emphasized the importance of trusting the pitching staff and producing enough offense to extend the series.
Dodgers Turn to Tyler Glasnow in Critical NLDS Game 4
Los Angeles handed the ball to right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who was expected to work in a traditional starting role after serving in a hybrid capacity during last year’s postseason. Glasnow made only 13 regular-season starts because of a back injury, but he finished strongly with double-digit strikeouts in each of his final two appearances.
His most notable statistical mark was an 11.92 strikeout rate per nine innings, fourth among Major League starters who logged at least 70 innings. Glasnow also posted a 1.69 ERA across six postseason appearances last year, including three starts. The Dodgers won every postseason game in which he appeared, a run that ended with a World Series Game 7 victory.
Manager Dave Roberts placed Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot, followed by Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. Shohei Ohtani batted fourth as the designated hitter, continuing a recent lineup adjustment while he works through an uneven stretch at the plate.
Braves Seek a Breakthrough Behind Tyler Mahle
Atlanta countered with right-hander Tyler Mahle, one of the club’s most important Trade Deadline additions. Mahle struggled earlier in the season with the San Francisco Giants, recording a 5.13 ERA through 18 starts. However, he quickly became a major contributor after joining the Braves.
Mahle posted a 1.28 ERA in his first eight starts with Atlanta and finished the regular season with a 1.99 ERA over his final nine outings. He also impressed in his first career postseason appearance, limiting the Phillies to one run across seven innings in the Wild Card Series.
The right-hander’s improvement has been linked to a change in pitch selection. He reduced his cutter usage while throwing more splitters, a strategy that helped him generate weaker contact and more swings and misses.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Returns Despite Knee Soreness
One of the biggest pregame developments involved Ronald Acuña Jr., who returned to right field despite lingering soreness in his right knee. Braves manager Walt Weiss said Acuña looked only “a little sore” after running in the outfield earlier Wednesday.
His return allowed Atlanta to use Sean Murphy behind the plate and Drake Baldwin as the designated hitter. It also kept struggling infielder Ha-Seong Kim on the bench. Kim had gone just 1-for-30 since September 12, making the lineup decision particularly significant in an elimination game.
Michael Harris II led off for the first time during Atlanta’s postseason run. Harris had been the Braves’ most dangerous offensive player through three games, hitting .375 with three extra-base hits in 24 at-bats.
Healthy Bullpens Raise the Pressure
Both teams expected to have their strongest relief options available. Atlanta’s bullpen included Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, while Didier Fuentes remained available after throwing 47 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2.
The Dodgers entered with a rested relief corps after Yoshinobu Yamamoto worked seven innings in Game 3. Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz were used to finish that game but were expected to be available again as Los Angeles attempted to close out the series.
Injuries remained an important subplot. Dodgers stars Ohtani and Freeman were managing knee-related issues, while Miguel Rojas was left out of the lineup after exiting Game 3 with lower back pain. Atlanta was without Bryce Elder and Martín Pérez for the series, although both could potentially return if the Braves advanced.
What the Dodgers-Braves Series Stakes Mean
The Braves won five of six meetings against Los Angeles during the regular season, giving Atlanta confidence despite its uneven postseason offense. Baldwin, Acuña and Matt Olson were all batting below .175 in the playoffs entering Game 4.
Los Angeles had enjoyed four consecutive postseason road wins dating back to Game 2 of the 2025 World Series. The Dodgers also had a major managerial milestone in view: Roberts entered the game tied with Tony La Russa for second place in postseason victories, with 71. A win would move him into sole possession of second, behind Joe Torre’s 84 postseason wins.
With the series hanging in the balance, every at-bat, pitching change and defensive decision carried enormous consequences. A Dodgers victory would send Los Angeles back to the NLCS, while an Atlanta win would force a decisive Game 5 in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started Game 4 for the Dodgers?
Tyler Glasnow started for Los Angeles. He was coming off a strong finish to the regular season and had a 11.92 strikeout rate per nine innings.
Who started Game 4 for the Braves?
Tyler Mahle started for Atlanta. He posted a 1.99 ERA over his final nine regular-season starts.
Was Ronald Acuña Jr. in the Braves’ lineup?
Yes. Acuña started in right field despite lingering soreness in his right knee.
What was at stake in Game 4?
The Dodgers could clinch a place in their third straight NL Championship Series with a win. Atlanta needed to win to force a deciding Game 5.
