Full Breakdown
Dodgers Seek Bye Edge in Series Opener vs. Braves
8/26/2026, 11:45:04 AM
Game Overview
On August 25 the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a three-game series at Truist Park against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. The matchup featured right-handers Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers) and Bryce Elder (Braves). Glasnow entered the game with a 2.72 ERA and 49 strikeouts in seven starts before his May injury. Elder was listed with a 3.92 ERA after 24 starts this season.
Recent Form and Playoff Implications
The Dodgers arrived on a six-game winning streak, having swept their previous two series against the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their record stood at 80-51, tied for first in the National League and just four games ahead of the Braves, who were 76-55. Under the current postseason format, the two division winners with the best records receive a bye to the Division Series.
Both clubs are division leaders, so the series carries “bye” significance. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head record; Atlanta leads the season series 2-1. If the Braves win at least two of the three games at Truist Park, they will hold the bye tiebreaker over Los Angeles. The second tiebreaker is each team’s record within its own division—Los Angeles is 26-17 against NL West opponents, while Atlanta is 27-13 against NL East foes.
Key Player Updates
- Tyler Glasnow – Returning after back-spasm surgery that sidelined him since early May. In his most recent Triple-A rehab outing he struck out nine batters over 5.1 innings while allowing just one hit.
- Shohei Ohtani – Has not pitched since July 3 because of persistent knee inflammation and a biceps issue. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the club will decide later in the week whether Ohtani returns to the mound, though he continues to bat as the designated hitter.
- Bryce Elder – Remains healthy and is slated to start the series for Atlanta.
Dodgers Lineup
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Mookie Betts, SS
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Alex Call, LF
8. Alek Thomas, CF
9. Hunter Feduccia, C
Statistical Snapshot
| Statistic | Dodgers | Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Overall record | 80-51 | 76-55 |
| Division record | 26-17 (NL West) | 27-13 (NL East) |
| Starting pitcher ERA | Glasnow 2.72 | Elder 3.92 |
| Recent streak | Six-game win streak, two series sweeps | Three-game series loss streak |
Official Statements & Responses
The Dodgers’ front office communicated that Glasnow’s health is “good” following his rehab assignment and that he is “ready to contribute” to the rotation. Manager Roberts reiterated that the decision on Ohtani’s return to pitching will be made “later this week,” emphasizing that the timing will affect the club’s push for the bye but will not alter the immediate lineup for the Braves series.
Outlook
The series continues on August 26 with Rokie Sasaki (Dodgers) versus AJ Smith-Shawver (Braves), and on August 27 (scheduled) with a marquee duel between Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and Chris Sale (Braves). Outcomes will directly shape the bye race, especially if Atlanta secures the required two wins to claim the head-to-head tiebreaker.
