Braves tap Dylan Dodd to start NLDS Game 1 against Dodgers
The Atlanta Braves have chosen Dylan Dodd, rather than one of their top rotation arms, to start Game 1 of the 2026 NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Battery Power.
A surprise choice to open the series
The Atlanta Braves, who won the 2026 NL East division title and swept past the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card round, have selected Dylan Dodd to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Battery Power, the decision follows what it describes as intense speculation over which pitcher would get the ball first.
Why not the usual starters
Per the report, Chris Sale and Brent Suter are expected to pitch Games 2 and 3 respectively, while Grant Holmes already worked through nearly a full lineup turn in Thursday's game. Battery Power notes the Braves had ten other pitching options available before settling on Dodd.
Dodd's season and recent track record
Dylan Dodd posted a 2.54/3.83/3.94 line over 49 and 2/3 innings this season, though he hasn't started a game since 2023, when the Braves viewed him as a pitching prospect. His numbers from that earlier stretch were poor — a 7.60/6.92/6.50 line across 34 and 1/3 innings — but Battery Power stresses that this does not reflect the work he has done since returning in a bullpen role. His longest outing in that span was 3 and 2/3 innings against Houston on September 13, 2025. The source highlights that his sinker and cutter have both been effective this season.
Expected usage
Battery Power suggests the Braves appear to be deploying Dodd in an "opener" role — a reliever capable of covering up to three innings. That could mean he faces roughly 13 batters if things go according to plan. He will open against a Dodgers lineup topped by two big left-handed hitters, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, though the source expresses confidence that Dodd's experience will keep him from being overwhelmed by the moment.
