Dave Roberts and his players have the Braves on the ropes after winning the last game 3-1. Atlanta desperately needs all the support from its home crowd to keep its season alive.

On the other side of the bracket, the San Diego Padres or Milwaukee Brewers await, with the series currently 2-1 in favor of Pat Murphy’s team. Can the Dodgers finally keep moving forward in their pursuit of the highly coveted three-peat?

What happens if the Dodgers defeat the Braves?

If the Dodgers defeat the Braves, having already won two of the three games played, they will take a 3-1 lead in the series. Since it is a best-of-five series, they will have secured their spot in the next round.

This result would definitively eliminate the Braves. Their dream of continuing to advance would come to an end in front of their home crowd, and the focus would have to shift toward rebuilding for next season.

What happens if the Dodgers and Braves tie?

In Major League Baseball playoff games, there are no ties. If the Dodgers and Braves are tied after 9 innings in Game 4 today, the game will enter extra innings and play on until a winner is determined, with standard postseason rules applying—meaning there is no automatic “ghost runner” placed on second base like in the regular season.

The game concludes as soon as one team leads at the end of a full extra inning or the home team scores a walk-off run. The stakes remain strictly win-or-lose for the National League Division Series.

What happens if the Dodgers lose to the Braves?

If the Dodgers lose to the Braves, the series would be tied 2-2. In that scenario, the series would go to a fifth and final game, which would be played at Dodger Stadium next Friday, October 9.

Key takeaways

• The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a 2-1 series lead over the Atlanta Braves.
• Extra innings will feature no ghost runner placed on second base during postseason play.
• A Braves victory forces a deciding Game 5 at Dodger Stadium on October 9.

Although Dave Roberts raised concerns about Shohei Ohtani’s health following the Game 2 loss, the team’s biggest star could be the key to securing another win. Both teams have won one game, so whoever comes out on top today at Truist Park will have gained the upper hand in the series.

On the other side of the bracket, the Milwaukee Brewers hold a 2-0 lead over the San Diego Padres and need just one more win to reach the Championship Series. If the Dodgers advance, they know they will have a tough road ahead.

What happens if the Dodgers defeat the Braves?

If the Dodgers win Game 3 today at Truist Park, they will take a 2–1 series lead in the best-of-five NLDS, putting the Braves on the brink of elimination and setting up Los Angeles with a chance to clinch the series away from home in Game 4.

The fourth game, which could be decisive for the series, will be played on Wednesday, October 7, also at Truist Park. Dave Roberts’ team could have the opportunity to clinch the series with the entire crowd against them.

What happens if the Dodgers and Braves tie?

If the Dodgers and Braves are tied after 9 innings today, the game will go into extra innings (10th inning and beyond) and keep playing until one team scores more runs at the end of a full extra inning or hits a walk-off run.

Additionally, unlike regular season extra innings, there is no automatic “ghost runner” on second base in the postseason; extra innings are played under normal rules until a winner is determined.

What happens if the Dodgers lose to the Braves?

If the Dodgers lose Game 3 to the Braves, Walt Weiss’ team would take a 2-1 lead and could clinch the series at home once again in Game 4. At that point, Los Angeles would be forced to win to send the series to a fifth and decisive game.

Key takeaways

• Dodgers and Braves tied 1–1 heading into Game 3 at Truist Park.
• Winning Game 3 grants a 2–1 NLDS lead, putting the opponent on elimination brink.
• Extra innings in postseason feature normal rules with no automatic runner on second.

While the Braves have yet to officially name a starter, manager Walt Weiss confirmed the team will utilize an opener for the series opener. Left-hander Brett Suter is a primary candidate to record the early outs before handing the ball over to Grant Holmes for bulk innings.

With ace Chris Sale lined up for Game 2, intrigue surrounds Atlanta’s tandem approach for Game 1, especially against a heavy-hitting Dodgers squad widely favored to capture the pennant and reach the World Series.

Unlike other Division Series matchups—such as the ALDS, where the Yankees are handing the ball to ace Gerrit Cole for Game 1 ahead of Carlos Rodon—the Braves are taking an unconventional approach on the road to kick off the best-of-five set.

Braves’ projected lineup against Dodgers in Game 1

Beyond the pitching staff, Atlanta must contend with a fully loaded Los Angeles roster that poses matchup challenges across the board. Here is how the Braves could line up for Game 1 at Dodger Stadium:

• Ronald Acuna Jr. — RF
• Drake Baldwin — DH
• Matt Olson — 1B
• Mauricio Dubon — SS
• Ozzie Albies — 2B
• Austin Riley — 3B
• Michael Harris II — CF
• Lane Thomas (or Mike Yastrzemski) — LF
• Sean Murphy — C

With the best-of-five series getting underway today, tension is high across both fanbases. How Game 1 unfolds could set the tone for the entire series and reveal which club has the upper hand moving forward.

Key takeaways

• Walt Weiss confirmed Atlanta will use an opener for Game 1.
• Left-hander Brett Suter is a primary candidate to record early outs.
• Ace Chris Sale is lined up to start Game 2 for the team.

Game 1 of the series went to the Braves with a final score of 5-3.
The game turned in the bottom of the 8th inning when Braves third baseman Austin Riley hit a dramatic, two-out, three-run go-ahead home run off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran.

The Philadelphia Phillies won Game 2 by a score of 4-3 in 10 innings. Trailing 3-1 in the 8th inning and facing immediate elimination, the Phillies rallied with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who hit back-to-back solo home runs in the 8th to tie the game. Then, Alec Bohm blasted a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the 10th inning to seal the deal.

What happens if the Phillies beat the Braves?

The Phillies would qualify and go through to the next round with a win. The National League Divisional series will present a whole new challenge. This means the Braves would be automatically eliminated from the MLB playoffs. Whoever wins Game 3 will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

What happens if the Phillies lose vs Braves?

In case the Phillies come short and lose the game, they will be eliminated while the Braves face the Dodgers in the NLDS. Hence the high stakes in this game. It’s a win-or-go home scenario.

What happens if Phillies and Braves tie?

Postseason baseball games do not end in ties. Therefore, extra innings continue until one team leads at the end of an inning and a winner is decided. This means that one of these teams will have to be eliminated and the other will progress through to the next round. Notably, there’s no ghost runner on second base in the MLB playoffs.

Key takeaways

• Austin Riley launched a two-out, three-run homer in the 8th inning to claim Game 1 for Atlanta.
• Alec Bohm blasted a go-ahead solo shot in the 10th inning of Game 2 to give the Phillies the win.
• The Game 3 winner will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

As the grandson of legendary Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, Mike inherits a storied baseball legacy. Though their careers unfolded decades apart, the younger Yastrzemski continues to honor the standard set by his grandfather, who cemented his status as one of the ultimate icons in Boston Red Sox history.

Navigating that built-in pressure, Mike Yastrzemski has proven that the family talent is far from a fluke. At the same time, the veteran outfielder has carved out his own distinct career in the big leagues, forging a personal path while keeping the family name in headlines.

Who is Carl Yastrzemski?

The original Yastrzemski to grace a Major League field was Carl “Yaz” Yastrzemski, who anchored the Red Sox outfield and first base for 23 seasons. A quintessential one-club star, Yastrzemski established himself as one of the premier offensive and defensive weapons of his era from 1961 through 1983.

Despite racking up an incredible list of individual accolades, the elder Yastrzemski never captured an elusive World Series ring, falling just short in seven games during the iconic 1975 Fall Classic against the Cincinnati Reds. That championship void is something his grandson Mike still has a chance to fill.

Here is a snapshot of Carl Yastrzemski’s defining career accolades:

• National Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1989 on his first ballot with 94.6% of the vote.
• AL Triple Crown (1967): Led the American League in batting average (.326), home runs (44), and RBIs (121).
• AL Most Valuable Player (1967): Unanimous AL MVP selection following his iconic Triple Crown “Impossible Dream” season.
• 18× MLB All-Star: Selected in 1963, 1965–1979, 1982, and 1983.
• All-Star Game MVP (1970): Named MVP of the Midsummer Classic after going 4-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored.
• 7× Gold Glove Award Winner: Awarded for defensive excellence in the outfield (1963, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1977).
• 3× AL Batting Champion: Won the AL Silver Bat in 1963 (.321), 1967 (.326), and 1968 (.301 — the famous “Year of the Pitcher”).

Mike Yastrzemski’s MLB career overview

While matching his grandfather’s Hall of Fame profile is a monumental task, Mike Yastrzemski has forged a respectable, productive big-league career. Though he lacks his grandfather’s hardware, the veteran outfielder remains a steady contributor focused on adding to the family narrative.

Since debuting in 2019, Yastrzemski has leaned on the lessons passed down from his grandfather to establish himself as a dependable everyday player. His ultimate goal remains clear: securing the first World Series title for the Yastrzemski family.

Now deep into his MLB career, Yastrzemski has a prime opportunity with contender talent around him to chase that elusive championship ring. Time will tell if he can bring home the ultimate prize, but he has already succeeded in adding an admirable second chapter to a legendary baseball lineage.

Key takeaways

• Mike Yastrzemski is the grandson of Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.
• Carl spent 23 years playing his entire Major League Baseball career in Boston.
• Grandfather Carl was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989 with 94.6%.

Why is this the case? At this stage, the series are best-of-three. This means that the Phillies’ recent 5-3 loss makes it imperative for them to win the next game. Difficult, yes; impossible, no, although Jesus Luzardo might not play today.

The Braves also know they will play Game 2 at home, with their fans behind them as a particularly important factor. Can Philadelphia force an even more dramatic deciding game?

What happens if the Phillies defeat the Braves?

If the Philadelphia Phillies manage to defeat the Atlanta Braves, they will even the series at 1-1 and force a highly anticipated third game. Don Mattingly’s team will remain alive in the Wild Card Series.

Game 3 between the Phillies and Braves (if necessary) is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta, with an estimated first pitch at 2:00 PM ET.

What happens if the Phillies and Braves tie?

Since there can be no ties in an MLB postseason game, the rules take an interesting turn if both teams are tied after nine innings. The first rule to be applied is extra innings: the game will continue into extra innings until one team leads at the end of a complete inning (or until the Braves score a walk-off run in the bottom half of an extra inning).

Additionally, the No Ghost Runner rule comes into play. Unlike regular-season extra innings, MLB postseason games do not place an automatic runner on second base to start extra innings. Teams must build their runs from scratch, with no runners on base.

What happens if the Phillies lose to the Braves?

If the Phillies fall to the Braves again, their hopes of advancing will come to an end. The Braves will advance to the National League Division Series (NLDS), where they will face the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-five series beginning Saturday, October 3.

Key takeaways

• Best-of-three series format leaves the Philadelphia Phillies with no room for error.
• Game 3 would be played Thursday, October 1, 2026, if Philadelphia wins.
• No.2 seed Los Angeles Dodgers await the Braves if Atlanta wins.

Manager Don Mattingly confirmed that Luzardo will serve as an opener today for the Phillies, likely capped at one or two innings. The southpaw is fresh off a 15-day IL stint and threw just four pitches in the regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Given those workload limits, Luzardo is expected to throw roughly 15 to 30 pitches against Braves hitters. According to Mattingly, top pitching prospect Andrew Painter is slated to enter out of the bullpen to bridge the middle innings once Luzardo exits.

While other playoff teams are dealing with major hits—like the New York Yankees losing offensive cornerstone Aaron Judge for their series against the Boston Red Sox—the Phillies confirmed their key core is ready to roll for this Wild Card clash with Atlanta.

Phillies confirmed Game 1 lineup with Luzardo

Behind Luzardo, Philadelphia is rolling out its top defensive and offensive group. Bryce Harper anchors the middle of the order alongside Kyle Schwarber, who is coming off a dominant regular season at the plate.

Here is Philadelphia’s official starting lineup for Game 1:

1. Trea Turner, Shortstop (SS)
2. Kyle Schwarber, Designated Hitter (DH)
3. Bryce Harper, Right Field (RF)
4. Alec Bohm, First Base (1B)
5. Derek Hill, Center Field (CF)
6. Bryan De La Cruz, Left Field (LF)
7. Bryson Stott, Second Base (2B)
8. Edmundo Sosa, Third Base (3B)
9. J.T. Realmuto, Catcher (C)
10. Jesus Luzardo, Pitcher (P)

While the Phillies are trusting Luzardo to set the tone early, the coaching staff will keep him on a tight pitch count following his recent rehab assignment. Philadelphia also finalized its 26-man Wild Card roster, with notable omissions including infielder Luis Arraez, who failed to make the cut for this round.

Key takeaways

• Jesus Luzardo is expected to throw roughly 15 to 30 pitches in Game 1.
• Prospect Andrew Painter is slated to enter out of the bullpen in relief.
• Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will start for series opener in the Wild Card.

“Rest will help,” Mattingly told reporters regarding Luzardo’s condition. “I don’t think it’s that serious, but it’s better for him not to pitch.” Mattingly’s comments underscore a cautious approach from the coaching staff, ensuring the southpaw won’t return to the mound until he is back at 100%.

While the Phillies navigate rotation adjustments, slugger Kyle Schwarber continues to provide a major spark, edging closer to Babe Ruth in historic MLB feats.

Luzardo was coming off a historic milestone in his previous outing against the Braves, becoming just the fifth pitcher in Phillies history to toss a complete-game two-hitter with at least 12 strikeouts.

Mattingly turns to alternate option for game two

With Luzardo sidelined, the Phillies are expected to turn to either Colby Allard or Michael Mercado to step up and take the ball for the second game of the series against Atlanta.

Even with Luzardo briefly out of commission, Philadelphia’s rotation remains formidable thanks to stellar campaigns from co-aces Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez.

Luzardo’s regular-season numbers

Luzardo’s ability to consistently pitch deep into games—working off a dominant four-pitch mix anchored by a sweeper and an upper-90s fastball—has stabilized Philadelphia’s rotation alongside Wheeler and Sanchez heading into the postseason push.

Here is a look at Luzardo’s stats on the season:

• Record: 14–5
• ERA: 2.87
• Innings Pitched: 178.2
• Strikeouts: 221

Brebbia, who previously pitched for the Atlanta Braves during the 2025 campaign, spent spring training with the Boston Red Sox before later joining the Minnesota Twins organization on a minor league deal. After exercising another opt-out clause following a difficult stretch at Triple-A St. Paul, the 35-year-old became available on the market.

The experienced right-hander posted a 6.20 ERA across 20 1/3 innings in Triple-A this season. Despite the rough overall numbers, Brebbia showed flashes early, allowing just one earned run with a 17-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio across his first 10 2/3 innings before struggling over his final appearances.

Rockies continue searching for bullpen stability

Colorado’s bullpen issues have become increasingly evident throughout the first two months of the season. The Rockies entered Thursday with a 4.51 bullpen ERA while sitting last in the NL West with a 20-37 record.

Injuries have also impacted the relief unit, with Jimmy Herget and Victor Vodnik both remaining on the injured list. Adding a veteran option like Brebbia gives the organization another experienced arm capable of potentially helping at the major league level later in the season.

Brebbia last appeared in the majors in 2025, splitting time between the Braves and the Detroit Tigers. He finished that season with a 7.71 ERA across 22 appearances.

Veteran reliever brings years of MLB experience

Across eight MLB seasons, Brebbia has pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Tigers, and Braves. During that span, he has recorded a career 4.04 ERA over 378 1/3 innings while establishing himself as a reliable middle-relief option for several playoff contenders.

Colorado now hopes a fresh opportunity and organizational change can help Brebbia rediscover consistency as the Rockies continue trying to reinforce an overworked bullpen.

Harris finished with four hits, including a two-run homer in the eighth inning that ultimately became the game-winning blast. The center fielder is now batting .304 with 12 home runs and an .865 OPS this season, continuing to establish himself as one of Atlanta’s most dangerous hitters.

Harris II stuns Braves with impressive home run

What made Harris’ home run especially remarkable was the location of the pitch. The blast traveled 423 feet to straightaway center field against a 91.5 mph changeup from Red Sox reliever Tayron Guerrero.

Harris later admitted he did not even care whether the pitch was technically a strike. “I just see ball, hit ball,” Harris said. “I didn’t really care if it was a strike or not. I was just trying to get a hit.”

Matt Olson breaks slump in Braves victory

While Harris delivered the highlight of the night, the Braves were also encouraged by Matt Olson snapping out of his recent slump with a two-run homer in the fifth inning. “Being able to contribute to helping the team win helps build some confidence for sure,” Olson said.

Recent concern had also surrounded Olson after he appeared uncomfortable following a swing earlier this month, but the slugger dismissed any idea that his elbow was affecting his performance.

“This is what I’ve always dreamed of doing, playing in the big leagues,” Ryan said during an appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “I’m grateful for that every day that I get to do that. And I want to be the best version of myself. What am I going to do, think about trades and things that I have zero control over? That’s just wasted headspace.”

Ryan dealt with similar rumors during the 2025 season when Minnesota struggled before the trade deadline. At the time, he was even scheduled to pitch the day after the deadline passed, which added another layer of pressure to an already difficult situation.

Still, the right-hander responded with six strong innings against Cleveland and helped the Twins secure an extra-innings victory, coming at a time when the Twins had also made a surprising Matt Bowman decision after his strong Triple-A run.

Ryan remains one of MLB’s top trade targets

The 2026 season has only increased Ryan’s value around baseball. “I think you look back and just remind yourself… that the distractions are away from the actual game,” Ryan explained. “I’m here to play baseball, and I get to put on a big league uniform.”

Unlike other potential trade candidates such as Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, Ryan remains under team control through the 2027 season. That contract situation gives Minnesota significant leverage if the organization decides to move him before the deadline.

The Twins are currently under .500, and if the club continues to slide in the standings, rival executives expect Minnesota to receive major prospect offers for their ace.

Braves and Cubs remain possible landing spots

Several contenders have already been connected to Ryan, including the Braves and Cubs. Atlanta could look to strengthen its rotation for another postseason push, while Chicago has continued searching for pitching help amid ongoing injury concerns.

Even with the rumors continuing to grow, however, Ryan appears committed to maintaining the same approach that helped him navigate last season’s deadline uncertainty.