After a strategic rest, Atlanta's ace aims to lead his team to a series advantage
Category: Sports
LOS ANGELES — Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale is primed to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 6, 2026, after the team opted to rest him during the first two games of the series. The decision to hold Sale back has raised eyebrows, but Braves management believes it was a prudent move to maximize his effectiveness.
Sale had offered to pitch in Game 1 and then again in Game 2, expressing confidence in his abilities. "I really felt confident in myself in starting Game 2," Sale said. "I felt confident in my ability to go out there and be able to perform at a high level. I reiterated that plenty of times to them." Nonetheless, Braves manager Walt Weiss and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos chose to keep him rested, aiming for a fully revitalized Sale for the upcoming game.
The Braves find themselves tied 1-1 in the best-of-five series after utilizing bullpen games in both of the initial contests. In Game 2, the bullpen delivered a stellar performance, allowing just six hits in a 3-2 victory over the Dodgers. Weiss praised his pitchers, stating, "It was a grind getting through that game, but the bottom line is our relievers came in and pitched great. It’s satisfying. We took a lot of shots at how we approached that game, but in the end, it all worked out.”
Sale's decision to rest was not taken lightly. He had pitched on four days' rest only twice during the entire season, which raised concerns about his readiness for back-to-back starts. The Braves' management recognized that risking a diminished Sale could jeopardize their chances in the series. Weiss explained, "If you have Sale in Game 2 and Game 5, as people were screaming about, we saw it as you're getting a diminished Chris Sale twice at that point. We wanted to get a full-strength Chris Sale, and that's Game 3." This strategy reflects a broader trend in baseball where teams prioritize player health and performance over immediate needs.
Sale's last appearance on the mound was in relief during the wild-card series against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he threw 24 pitches to secure a win. Prior to that, he had pitched 6 1/3 innings in Game 1 of that series, allowing three runs. His regular-season performance has been impressive, boasting a 2.16 ERA, the third-best in the majors, and a shutout against the Dodgers earlier in the season, where he struck out 11 batters.
As the Braves prepare for Game 3, they are banking on Sale's fresh arm and strategic mindset. He has faced the Dodgers twice this season, allowing just two earned runs over 16 innings. The last time he pitched against them, Sale delivered an old-fashioned shutout, a performance that has instilled confidence in his teammates. "We have a lot of work to do," Sale noted. "It's not over yet. You can't start getting ahead of yourself, but we're confident in who we have in our clubhouse, and we're confident moving forward."
The Braves head into Game 3 with momentum from their bullpen's performance in Game 2. Six pitchers combined to stifle the Dodgers' lineup, with opener Ray Kerr contributing significantly by throwing six shutout innings. The Braves' offense has also been formidable, hitting six home runs across their postseason games, with Ozzie Albies leading the charge. This offensive power contrasts sharply with the Dodgers, who have relied heavily on home runs for their scoring, having hit five homers in the postseason but struggling with runners in scoring position.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers will counter with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, who is making his first postseason appearance since last year. Yamamoto has been effective for the Dodgers, finishing the regular season with a 2.53 ERA and a strong postseason track record. He has faced the Braves three times in his career, with an impressive 0.55 ERA against them. "I think what I experienced in the postseason last year, that will benefit me," Yamamoto said, emphasizing his focus on taking one game at a time.
As both teams gear up for this decisive matchup, the stakes could not be higher. The winner of Game 3 will take a commanding lead in the series, and both Sale and Yamamoto are expected to play key roles in determining the outcome.
The Braves' strategy of resting Chris Sale appears to be a calculated gamble that could pay off significantly. With the series tied, having a fully rested ace on the mound gives Atlanta a potential edge. Sale’s history of success against the Dodgers and his recent performances bolster the Braves’ confidence. If he can replicate his earlier success, the Braves could take a decisive lead in the series.
On the other hand, the Dodgers will need to find ways to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, having left numerous runners stranded in the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts has hinted at possible lineup changes to address these shortcomings, stating, "I think that I have to be mindful of, it’s two games, and then with the two games, what have I seen?" The Dodgers must adapt quickly if they hope to regain the upper hand.
Game 3 is set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. As both teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the baseball world will follow closely closely to see if the Braves’ strategy pays off and if Chris Sale can deliver a performance that propels his team closer to the championship.