The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, using the team’s struggles against left-handed pitching. The decision, reported by multiple outlets, sets the stage for a strategic matchup as the two playoff contenders prepare for their showdown.
The Dodgers’ choice of Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner acquired from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, reflects a calculated move to exploit the Braves’ vulnerabilities. Atlanta posted a .696 OPS against left-handed pitchers during the regular season, compared to .730 against righties, a disparity that influenced the decision ESPN reported.
A Strategic Shift in Rotation
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of matching the Braves’ weaknesses, though he initially refrained from finalizing the rotation until the opponent was confirmed. Just kind of trying to figure out opponent, and then the schedule going forward,
Roberts said, Sports Illustrated noted. The projected lineup includes Skubal for Game 1, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 2025 World Series MVP, potentially reserved for a later game to maximize his five-day rest advantage.
Skubal’s selection aligns with his playoff pedigree. The 2024-2025 postseason saw him post a 2.04 ERA in six starts, including a 13-strikeout performance in the 2025 playoffs. His 2.61 ERA in 62 innings as a Dodger this season further solidified his case, despite a 5.4 K/BB ratio—lower than his 8.3 with the Tigers Yahoo Sports reported.
Tyler Glasnow, with four career Game 1 starts, is expected to pitch Game 4 if needed, as Roberts stated, He’s one of four [starters],
adding, I don’t see him out of the bullpen early.
Braves’ Left-Handed Struggles
The Braves’ struggles against left-handed pitching were a recurring theme across multiple reports. Atlanta’s 91 wRC+ against southpaws in 2026, tied for 24th in MLB, contrasted sharply with their .730 OPS against right-handers Substack noted.
Atlanta’s offensive challenges against lefties were further highlighted by their .240/.696 OPS in 2026, compared to .250/.730 against righties Sports Illustrated noted.
However, the decision was not without debate. This contradicts the consensus among other outlets, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated, which consistently cited Skubal. The inconsistency highlights the fluid nature of playoff preparations, though the Dodgers’ official stance remains aligned with Skubal’s selection.
Braves’ Pitching Uncertainties
The Braves, meanwhile, face their own challenges. Manager Walt Weiss revealed that Chris Sale’s availability for Games 1 and 2 remains uncertain after he pitched four outs in Game 3 of the wild-card series. A lot of it's going to depend on how Chris feels,
Weiss said, ESPN reported. Sale’s health could force a shift in the Braves’ rotation, potentially opening the door for the Dodgers to exploit their left-handed dominance.
Despite the Braves’ offensive firepower, including a 5-3 win against the Phillies in the wild-card series, their reliance on right-handed hitters like Matt Olson may leave them vulnerable.
The Braves’ plans remain in flux as they travel to Los Angeles. Weiss acknowledged relying heavily on their bullpen for the first two games, citing Sale’s recent workload ESPN reported. Sale’s 21-pitch outing in Game 3 could count as a bullpen session, but his history of extended rest raises concerns about his readiness for a Game 2 start ESPN noted.
Setting the Tone for a Playoff Victory
The Dodgers’ strategy hinges on maximizing their starting pitching, a focus that has defined their approach in recent seasons. We're only as good as our starters,
said Blake Snell, Sports Illustrated quoted. With Skubal on the mound, the Dodgers aim to set the tone early, utilizing their depth and the Braves’ weaknesses to secure a playoff victory.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with 14 wins and a 2.53 ERA in 28 starts, and Tyler Glasnow, who has four Game 1 starts, round out the rotation truebluela.com noted. Glasnow’s potential role in a Game 4 or 5 was confirmed by Roberts, who stated, He’s one of four [starters],
Sports Illustrated cited.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the staff’s strength, saying, Our pitching staff is pretty special, in my opinion,
truebluela.com quoted.
As the series approaches, the focus will remain on how the Braves adapt to Skubal’s presence and whether their pitching staff can counter the Dodgers’ strategic edge. The outcome could shape the trajectory of both teams’ postseason journeys, with the stakes as high as ever.