“You can’t go into a long series against a team that has the best record in baseball and expect to just win 4. It’s going to be a long series, we knew it coming in,” Dave Roberts revealed, via MLB Network on X.

The series is far from over, and the Dodgers still have plenty of room for improvement. However, Roberts knows he cannot afford to underestimate a team that won 103 games during the regular season, the most of any team in MLB.

A narrow final score for Los Angeles

It was a tough night at the plate for the Dodgers, as they dropped Game 1 of the NLCS to the Brewers in a tight 2-1 pitcher’s duel. Despite forcing Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski to throw nearly 100 pitches early on, L.A.’s high-powered lineup went ice-cold when it mattered most, going just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranding 10 total baserunners.

Starter Tarik Skubal turned in a solid outing, allowing just 2 earned runs with 7 strikeouts over 5.0 innings, but Milwaukee’s shutdown bullpen completely neutralized the Dodgers over the final 4.2 frames.

What’s next for the Dodgers vs Brewers series?

With Milwaukee holding a 1-0 series lead, the Dodgers will look to bounce back immediately in Game 2 on Monday, October 12, staying put at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Following a travel day on Tuesday, the series shifts west to California, where Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host Game 3 on Wednesday, October 14, Game 4 on Thursday, October 15, and an if-necessary Game 5 on Friday, October 16. If the series goes the distance, it heads back to Milwaukee for Games 6 and 7 over the weekend.

Key takeaways

• Dave Roberts stressed the Dodgers knew beating the 103-win Brewers would be a long series.
• Los Angeles dropped Game 1 of the NLCS 2-1 after going 1-for-6 with RISP.
• The series continues with Game 2 on Monday at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Jacob Misiorowski will take the mound for Game 1 as the Brewers look to set the tone early. Milwaukee also announced that Logan Henderson will start Game 2, while Robert Gasser is slated to take the ball in Game 3, according to MLB insider Adam McAlbi.

While the rest of the Senior Circuit shifts focus to the offseason—such as the Philadelphia Phillies, whose managerial search features candidates like Donnie Ecker—the Dodgers and Brewers are set to clash with a World Series berth on the line.

As the MLB postseason draws toward its climax, the hot stove is already warming up elsewhere: Sonny Gray has addressed his future with the Boston Red Sox, while the New York Yankees face ongoing scrutiny over their recent play, particularly regarding Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Brewers injury report ahead of Game 1

On the pitching front, Milwaukee remains without right-handed starter Brandon Woodruff as he continues to rehabilitate from major shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, left-hander DL Hall is being closely monitored following forearm and shoulder tightness, with plans to utilize him in a managed, multi-inning relief role.

Offensively, all eyes are on star outfielder Christian Yelich, who continues to manage lingering back discomfort that limited his workload late in the regular season. While Yelich is expected to be available at designated hitter or in the outfield, his availability will remain a day-to-day proposition.

Brewers’ projected lineup for Game 1

As the Brewers roll out their top active roster, the offense is expected to be anchored by Jackson Chourio and William Contreras. Here is Milwaukee’s projected starting lineup:

1. Jackson Chourio, LF
2. Brice Turang, 2B
3. William Contreras, C
4. Jake Bauers, 1B
5. Christian Yelich, DH
6. Cooper Pratt, SS
7. Luis Lara, RF
8. Garrett Mitchell, CF
9. Joey Ortiz, 3B

Key takeaways

• Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 1 of the NLCS for Milwaukee.
• Brandon Woodruff remains out for the Brewers while recovering from major shoulder surgery.
• Christian Yelich is expected to be available while managing lingering back discomfort.

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.

“I don’t know if he’s trying to do too much because he doesn’t feel perfect,” Roberts said to the press via Dodgers Nation on X. “But this time of year, no one feels perfect.”

The series is now tied 1-1 after the Braves’ 3-2 victory at Dodger Stadium. Can Ohtani regain his best form to help his team and make another trip to the World Series?

The Dodgers need Ohtani back

During his second postseason appearance against the Braves, Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-4 at the plate, managing a single in the Dodgers’ loss at home. While he stayed on the field, his recent knee and biceps issues—which landed him on the IL in September—were clearly visible, leaving him far from 100% physically and noticeably hindering his usual explosive power and mobility on the basepaths.

What’s next for Los Angeles?

With the NLDS tied 1-1 after splitting the first two games in Los Angeles, Dave Roberts and his Dodgers face a high-stakes stretch on the road. The series shifts to Georgia to face the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, starting with Game 3 on Tuesday, October 6, followed by Game 4 on Wednesday, October 7.

If the teams remain deadlocked after those two contests, the series will return west for a winner-take-all Game 5 at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 9. With zero margin for error, Roberts will need to manage his pitching staff carefully and get the absolute most out of his lineup to lock down a spot in the NLCS.

Key takeaways

• Dave Roberts expressed concerns about Shohei Ohtani’s health following Game 2 loss.
• Atlanta defeated Los Angeles 3-2 at Dodger Stadium to tie the series 1-1.
• Game 3 shifts to Truist Park on Tuesday, October 6.

“I haven’t been able to get a good grasp of the root cause of all this. I think that process is going to happen during the offseason,” Ohtani told reporters ahead of Game 1 against Atlanta.

Ohtani landed on the 15-day injured list late in the regular season, but he is fully cleared and ready to serve as the Dodgers‘ designated hitter in the NLDS. However, his injury issues have kept him from returning to the mound as a pitcher for the time being.

While the ALDS faces New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge’s not playing, the NLDS features both rosters at near full strength. For Los Angeles, Ohtani’s presence in the lineup remains crucial to their postseason push.

Ohtani addresses physical condition ahead of NLDS

When asked about his physical state as he returns to action, Ohtani offered a reassuring assessment. “I do feel like my swing is in a better place; it feels smooth… Being on the IL has taught me a lot,” Ohtani said.

During live batting practice sessions on Friday, Ohtani looked sharp at the plate, flashing the power that makes him the focal point of the Dodgers’ offense heading into the series.

Ohtani aims to extend postseason legacy

Following dominant postseason runs in 2024 and 2025, Ohtani looks to add another historic chapter to his career and potentially build on his hardware collection this October.

Despite late-season durability concerns, the Dodgers’ coaching staff and fanbase are counting on Ohtani to anchor the offense as Los Angeles pursues another World Series title.

Key takeaways

• Shohei Ohtani suffered knee and arm injuries late in the regular season.
• He will investigate the root cause of his physical struggles during the offseason.
• The superstar is available and ready to play as designated hitter against Atlanta.

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.

“Dave Roberts said Edgardo Henriquez has been throwing bullpen sessions, is healthy. Will take part in bye week sim games, live BPs and expected to be on the NLDS roster,” Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register revealed on X.

Henriquez hasn’t pitched for Los Angeles since September 13 against the Miami Marlins, so his return would be a significant upgrade for the rotation. With another postseason about to begin, the Dodgers want to enter the playoffs in the best possible shape.

What injury did Henriquez suffer?

Edgardo Henriquez’s 2026 season hit a snag on September 16, when he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a low-grade back strain. The young reliever started dealing with lower back tightness following his mid-September bullpen appearances, leading the team to take a cautious approach to prevent it from worsening. Because it was diagnosed as a minor muscle strain, the stint was intended to give him a brief period of rest and treatment before getting him back on the mound.

The Dodgers’ postseason run

The Los Angeles Dodgers locked up the #2 seed in the National League after winning another NL West crown, earning a crucial first-round bye into the NLDS. They’ll skip the Wild Card round entirely and host Game 1 of the best-of-five Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, October 3.

Dave Roberts’ squad will wait to face the winner of the Wild Card matchup between the #3 seed Atlanta Braves and the #6 seed. With home-field advantage through the NLDS, the Dodgers are primed for another deep October run as they pursue a world championship ring.

Key takeaways

• Dave Roberts said Edgardo Henriquez is healthy and expected on the NLDS roster.
• Edgardo Henriquez went on the 15-day injured list with a low-grade back strain.
• Los Angeles earned a first-round bye and will host Game 1 on October 3.

“He came out of it well,” Roberts said after Ohtani hit coach-pitch batting practice on Friday. “I think for me, I’m just really waiting to hear when he’s going to get on the field, let alone take live BP or Trajekt. And he’s not there yet. But everything I’ve heard, it’s been a really productive last three to four to five days. He’s in a good spot.”

Days ago, the Dodgers clinched their spot in the postseason, and now all eyes are on making another trip to the World Series. For this team, having Ohtani available by then could be crucial.

Ohtani wants to return at 100%

Dodgers fans held their breath when Shohei Ohtani hit the 15-day injured list earlier this September after dealing with a pesky combination of right biceps inflammation and knee soreness. The two-way superstar officially went on the shelf on September 10 (backdated to September 8) after lingering discomfort kept him out of multiple lineups.

Fortunately, it looks like a short-term hit rather than a long-term disaster—Ohtani is eligible to return as early as September 23 for the final stretch of the regular season, though he’s putting his pitching program on pause to focus purely on bringing his massive bat back to the DH spot for October.

Dodgers’ final stretch

Before stepping into the October pressure cooker, the Dodgers are closing out the regular season with an all-NL West gauntlet that will test their postseason readiness. They wrap up their current home series against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on September 19 and 20, before staying put in Los Angeles to host a high-stakes three-game clash against the San Diego Padres from September 22 to 24.

Finally, Chavez Ravine gets a breather as LA travels up north to Oracle Park for one last three-game rivalry rematch against the Giants from September 25 to 27. It’s a pure divisional stretch run to fine-tune the roster and tune up the bats before the real drama begins.

Roberts said that Diaz is set to rejoin the team in Los Angeles, after his series finale against the Cincinnati Reds. Once activated, he will initially be deployed in low-leverage situations before earning opportunities in high-leverage spots.

With Roberts applying pressure on Diaz to step up, the right-hander has a chance to prove his acquisition wasn’t in vain after a regular season derailed by injuries.

With Edgardo Henriquez sidelined for the remainder of the regular season but expected to return for October, Diaz faces a critical window to solidify his case for a playoff roster spot.

Roberts’ comments on Shohei Ohtani

Speaking to reporters prior to the series finale against the Reds, Roberts offered an encouraging update on Shohei Ohtani’s recovery following his stint on the 15-day injured list.

“He is back to progressing today. He should be getting some coach pitch this week. There’s no pain. He’s doing everything he needs to do. Everything I hear is really positive,“ Roberts remarked.

As October approaches, Roberts is banking on both Diaz and Ohtani returning to form, giving the Dodgers two massive weapons as they push toward another World Series run.

However, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Henriquez’s postseason availability hinges on upcoming MRI results on his back. The injury has already officially ruled the right-hander out for the remainder of the regular season.

Henriquez has developed into a reliable high-leverage power arm in Los Angeles’ relief corps. Known for his elite fastball velocity and rapid ascent through the farm system, he turned into a vital bridge late in games during a breakout 2026 campaign.

With key contributors like Edwin Diaz still uncertain for the postseason due to lack of performance, Roberts is eager for the rest of his roster to reach full strength heading into the stretch run.

Who can replace Henriquez on the roster?

Henriquez was providing standout relief performance for Los Angeles, making his injury a notable blow to a pitching staff already adjusting to Diaz’s struggles and Shohei Ohtani’s stint on the injured list.

Rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski could step up to fill Henriquez’s vacancy for the remainder of the regular season while other key arms work their way back, including Roki Sasaki, who is currently undergoing rehab with the medical staff.

In the rotation, Roberts can rely on aces like Tarik Skubal and veteran Blake Snell to anchor the pitching staff. Even with the mounting injuries, the Dodgers hope their recovering stars can return in time for October to help secure that elusive third straight World Series title.