Braves Start Dylan Dodd in NLDS Game 1 as Dodgers' Lefties Shape Opener Plan

Q: Will the Braves' desperate opener gamble successfully silence the Dodgers' rested MVP duo?

Probably not for long, though it could buy Atlanta a short window. The Braves’ opener plan is logical, not reckless. Dylan Dodd gives them a left-handed look against Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman at the top of a Dodgers lineup built around lefty threats, and he has been effective in relief this season, carrying a 2.54 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and holding opponents to a .176 average in 49 2/3 innings. Atlanta also saw this template work in the Wild Card Series, when Ray Kerr neutralized Philadelphia early and helped set up a bullpen game. But the larger problem is coverage, not the first inning. Dodd has not started in the majors since 2023, and the Braves are asking Grant Holmes and the rest of a taxed staff to piece together most of the game against a rested Dodgers club coming off a bye. Chris Sale is unavailable for Game 1 after heavy Wild Card usage, Tyler Mahle is not expected until Game 3, and Bryce Elder and Martín Pérez remain out. That leaves little margin for error once Los Angeles sees Dodd and begins forcing Atlanta into less favorable matchups. Ohtani and Freeman may be slowed briefly by the handedness play, especially if Dodd executes and Holmes gives quality bulk innings. But over nine innings, the Dodgers’ depth, patience and rest make it unlikely that Atlanta fully “silences” its MVP-caliber duo. The gamble can keep the Braves competitive early; expecting it to shut down both stars all afternoon is a bigger reach.

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Oct 3

Dylan Dodd will open Game 1 for Atlanta on Saturday against Los Angeles, marking his first start since he made seven in the 2023 season.
Ray Kerr's one-hit, 3 1/3-inning outing against Philadelphia in the Wild Card Series helped push the Braves toward another opener, with Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman near the top of the Dodgers lineup.
Grant Holmes, who threw 28 pitches over two innings after Kerr on Thursday, is a likely follow-up option behind Dodd.
Chris Sale is unavailable before Game 2 and Tyler Mahle before Game 3, while Bryce Elder and injured Martín Pérez are out for the NLDS but could return for the NLCS if Atlanta advances.