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Dodgers vs Braves pitchers: Who is Atlanta starting in NLDS Game 1 against Skubal?
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- Dodgers vs Braves pitchers: Who is Atlanta starting in NLDS Game 1 against Skubal?
Game 1 of the National League Division Series will pit a reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner with a fellow who's made just seven career starts.
That's the Atlanta Braves' reality as they trot out Dylan Dodd against Tarik Skubal in the opener of their best-of-five Saturday, Oct. 3 at Dodger Stadium.
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Skubal, 29, will give up his reign as the AL's top pitcher - his August trade to the Dodgers instead installed him atop the two-time defending champions' pitching pyramid. He unseats World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their first ace out of the chute.
NLDS: It's not David vs. Goliath – Ohtani injuries among Dodgers' problems
Skubal also has a shot to help neutralize Atlanta's lefty hitters, such as leadoff man Drake Baldwin, slugging first baseman Matt Olson and left fielder Mike Yastrzemski.
Dodd's task is even more focused: Shut down Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the first couple innings.
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A third-round pick in 2021, Dodd had a pair of three-inning outings in April and May but has been used in much shorter bursts since then. Yet Atlanta comes into this series with its starting pitching compromised, as ace Chris Sale's turn doesn't come up until Sunday - and, he closed out their Game 3 clincher in the wild card series against Philadelphia, recording the final four outs Thursday.
So the Braves will attempt to patch together nine innings of a bullpen game, with either Sale or No. 2 starter Tyler Mahle ready to roll in Game 2 Sunday.
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong steals second base in front of the tag by Jake Cronenworth during the third inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox stand during the national anthem prior to game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox tags out George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees for a double play during the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario throws to first for an out during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees celebrates on second base after hitting double to center field against Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) reacts with Chicago catcher Kyle Teel (8) after game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) stretches to first base to hit a RBI single in the eighth inning against Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
The Houston Astros line up for the beginning of the game against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
Colson Montgomery #12 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Lucas Spence of the Houston Astros watches as a home run hit by Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox clears the fence in the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Manager Joe Espada of the Houston Astros relieves Bryan King #74 in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery gets hit by a pitch in the seocnd inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into home plate to score a run past Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into second base in front of Jeremy Pe–a of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies line up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies equipment in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A general view before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is tagged out by Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws out Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Derek Hill (49) in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber breaks his bat in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
A detailed view of the shoes of Mauricio Dubon of the Atlanta Braves as he sits on the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Bryan de la Cruz of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves reacts as he scores off an RBI triple by Ozzie Albies during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
1
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
2
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong steals second base in front of the tag by Jake Cronenworth during the third inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
3
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run during the first inning of Game 1 at Petco Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
(Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
5
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox stand during the national anthem prior to game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
6
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox tags out George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees for a double play during the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
7
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario throws to first for an out during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
8
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees celebrates on second base after hitting double to center field against Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
9
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor (31) reacts with Chicago catcher Kyle Teel (8) after game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
10
/28
2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) stretches to first base to hit a RBI single in the eighth inning against Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
11
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The Houston Astros line up for the beginning of the game against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026.
12
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Colson Montgomery #12 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
13
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Lucas Spence of the Houston Astros watches as a home run hit by Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox clears the fence in the fourth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
14
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Manager Joe Espada of the Houston Astros relieves Bryan King #74 in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
15
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery gets hit by a pitch in the seocnd inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
16
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into home plate to score a run past Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
17
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Sam Antonacci of the Chicago White Sox slides into second base in front of Jeremy Pe–a of the Houston Astros in the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Houston.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
18
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
The Philadelphia Phillies line up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
19
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
20
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies equipment in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
21
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
22
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A general view before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
23
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is tagged out by Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
24
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws out Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Derek Hill (49) in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
25
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber breaks his bat in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
26
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
A detailed view of the shoes of Mauricio Dubon of the Atlanta Braves as he sits on the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
27
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Bryan de la Cruz of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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2026 MLB playoffs open with thrilling wild-card series matchups
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves reacts as he scores off an RBI triple by Ozzie Albies during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Where to watch Dodgers vs Braves: TV channel, streaming
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Time: 4 p.m. ET
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TV channel: Fox
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Live stream: Fubo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers vs Braves pitchers: Who is Atlanta starting in NLDS Game 1 against Skubal?
