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Dodgers – Braves Game 4 brings another dramatic postseason test to Truist Park, where Atlanta is fighting to keep its National League Division Series alive. The Dodgers lead the series 2-1 and can clinch a place in the National League Championship Series with a victory, while the Braves need one more win to send the matchup back to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5.
The contest is being played Wednesday night in Atlanta and is available on FS1 and FOX One. The teams have traded victories through the opening three games, creating another high-pressure matchup in front of a passionate Braves home crowd.
Critical Dodgers – Braves Game 4 Pitching Matchup
Atlanta will turn to right-hander Tyler Mahle, who has emerged as one of the team’s most valuable additions since arriving at the Trade Deadline. Mahle struggled earlier in the season with the Giants, posting a 5.13 ERA through 18 starts. However, his performance changed dramatically after joining Atlanta.
Mahle recorded a 1.28 ERA across his first eight starts for the Braves and finished the regular season with a 1.99 ERA over his final nine outings. He also impressed in his first postseason appearance, limiting the Phillies to one run across seven innings in the National League Wild Card Series.
His improved results have been connected to a change in pitch selection. Mahle reduced his cutter usage while throwing more splitters, giving him another effective weapon against opposing hitters. Atlanta will need that sharp version of Mahle again if it hopes to force a return trip to Los Angeles.
The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Tyler Glasnow. Although a back injury limited him to 13 regular-season starts, Glasnow ended the year strongly with double-digit strikeouts in consecutive appearances. His 11.92 strikeouts per nine innings ranked fourth among MLB starters who threw at least 70 innings.
Glasnow played a hybrid role during last year’s postseason, producing a 1.69 ERA in six appearances, including three starts. This time, Los Angeles expects him to work in a more traditional starting role. The Dodgers won every postseason game in which Glasnow appeared last year, including Game 7 of the World Series.
Braves Make Bold Lineup Adjustment
Atlanta’s lineup includes a significant development involving Ronald Acuña Jr. The 2023 National League MVP is dealing with lingering soreness in his right knee, but manager Walt Weiss saw enough from Acuña’s pregame running to place him back in right field.
That decision allowed the Braves to start Sean Murphy at catcher and use Drake Baldwin as the designated hitter. It also kept struggling infielder Ha-Seong Kim on the bench. Kim has gone 1-for-30 since Sept. 12, making the lineup change especially notable in an elimination-style game.
- Michael Harris II, CF
- Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
- Matt Olson, 1B
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Drake Baldwin, DH
- Mike Yastrzemski, LF
- Mauricio Dubón, SS
- Austin Riley, 3B
- Sean Murphy, C
Michael Harris II leads off for the first time this postseason after serving in the middle of the batting order. Harris has been Atlanta’s most dangerous hitter so far, batting .375 with three extra-base hits over 24 postseason at-bats.
Dodgers Trust Familiar Core to Finish Series
Los Angeles is returning to a more familiar lineup after making adjustments to face Chris Sale in the previous game. Mookie Betts remains at shortstop and leads off, followed by Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. Shohei Ohtani continues to bat fourth rather than leading off as he manages lingering right biceps and left knee issues.
- Mookie Betts, SS
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Teoscar Hernández, LF
- Max Muncy, 3B
- Kiké Hernández, 2B
- Kyle Tucker, RF
- Andy Pages, CF
Freeman, Betts and Kyle Tucker have been the Dodgers’ most consistent offensive performers through three games. Ohtani is hitting .200, while Smith and Pages collected their first hits of the postseason in Game 3.
Bullpen Depth Could Decide the Outcome
Both teams expect to have their primary relief options available. Atlanta’s bullpen includes Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, while Didier Fuentes could provide additional support after throwing 47 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2.
The Dodgers enter with a rested group after Yoshinobu Yamamoto worked seven innings in Game 3. Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz were the only high-leverage relievers used to finish that game, leaving Los Angeles in a strong position if Glasnow exits early.
Atlanta will be without Bryce Elder, who underwent right knee surgery, and Martín Pérez, who is dealing with lower back discomfort. For Los Angeles, Miguel Rojas is out of the lineup after leaving Game 3 with lower back pain.
What Is at Stake in Game 4?
The Braves won five of six regular-season meetings against the Dodgers, but Los Angeles has won four consecutive postseason road games dating back to Game 2 of the 2025 World Series. That contrast gives Game 4 an intriguing backdrop.
A Dodgers victory ends the NLDS and sends the club to a third consecutive NLCS. A Braves win would shift the pressure back to Los Angeles for Game 5. The game also carries a managerial milestone: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is tied with Tony La Russa for second place with 71 postseason wins and needs one more victory to move alone into second.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dodgers – Braves Game 4?
Game 4 is being played Wednesday night at Truist Park in Atlanta.
How can fans watch the game?
The game is being broadcast nationally on FS1 and FOX One.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Tyler Mahle starts for Atlanta, while Tyler Glasnow takes the mound for Los Angeles.
What happens if the Braves win?
The series will return to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5.
Which team leads the NLDS?
The Dodgers lead the series 2-1 and need one more victory to advance.
