Brief

Dodgers eye advantage as Braves’ bullpen fatigues ahead of NLDS

Manager Walt Weiss warned the Braves’ staff is worn from a three‑game wild‑card series, giving Los Angeles a chance to press the advantage.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:50:58 GMT

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his team can capitalize on a fatigued Atlanta Braves bullpen in the opening games of the National League Division Series, according to the New York Post.

What happened

The Braves advanced to the NLDS after a three‑game wild‑card win over the Philadelphia Phillies, during which they used six pitchers on Thursday and relied on starter Chris Sale for the final four outs after a 6⅓‑inning effort two days earlier. The grueling schedule left starters Martin Perez and Bryce Elder unavailable, and relievers such as Raisel Iglesias, Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee logged heavy innings on consecutive days.

What the reports add

The Post notes that Sale’s brief relief appearance – four pitches in the eighth inning, a half‑inning on the bench, then 17 more pitches – may limit his availability to a single start in the best‑of‑five series. If Sale does not pitch until Game 3, the Dodgers could face a bullpen‑heavy Braves lineup in Games 1 and 2. Roberts is quoted as saying the Dodgers can “not let their pitching staff come up for air,” highlighting the strategic edge.

What was said

Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters, “A lot’s going to depend on how Chris feels,” referring to Sale’s condition after his relief work. He also added, “The Phillies series took a lot out of us, as far as our pitching,” emphasizing the toll of the wild‑card matchup. Roberts replied, “The advantage for us is we have an opportunity to not let their pitching staff come up for air.”

How it came about

The Braves’ decision to use Sale in relief stemmed from a “baffling” call by Weiss to close out a four‑run lead in the wild‑card series, a move that may backfire if the pitcher needs extended rest. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have prepared for a hot‑weather Game 1 and have a strong bullpen, positioning them to exploit the Braves’ reduced depth.

Key facts

• The Braves used six pitchers in the final wild‑card game, including Chris Sale in relief. (nypost.com)
• Braves starters Martin Perez and Bryce Elder are unavailable for the NLDS. (nypost.com)
• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team can press the Braves’ exhausted staff. (nypost.com)
• If Sale pitches only in Game 3, he would be limited to one start in the series. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Dodgers could take advantage of run-down Braves, top pitcher in NLDS”