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Braves Start Chris Sale in Game 3 vs Dodgers

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 2:54 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Braves Start Sale

Braves manager Walt Weiss announced left-hander Chris Sale will start Game 3 of the NLDS.
The Braves tied the series 1-1 after a 3-2 win at Dodgers Stadium.
Weiss said Sale is fresh and represents the team’s best-case scenario.
Sale threw an 11-strikeout complete-game shutout on August 27, allowing five hits, no walks.
Alex Rodriguez called Sale the right pitcher at the right time for Atlanta.

Summary

Braves Eye Bullpen

Braves contemplate a bullpen gamble similar to Sale’s 2018 World Series relief appearance.
Braves entered the NLDS with seven starters on the injured list, including Spencer Strider and Martín Pérez.
Sale’s fastball averaged a career-high 96.1 mph this season.
Fans condemned the bullpen gamble, and Weiss labeled them ‘keyboard warriors.’
Acuña Jr. said he cannot control managerial decisions and will focus on winning each game.

History

Historical Context

Boston’s 2004 ALCS comeback, when veteran Curt Schilling pitched through a blood-soaked sock to force a Game 7 and help the Red Sox win their first World Series since 1918, set a precedent for leaning on seasoned arms. The 2024 Atlanta Braves echo that tactic, starting left-hander Chris Sale in NLDS Game 3 amid a depleted rotation.

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Braves Start Sale

Braves manager Walt Weiss announced left-hander Chris Sale will start Game 3 of the NLDS.
The Braves tied the series 1-1 after a 3-2 win at Dodgers Stadium.
Weiss said Sale is fresh and represents the team’s best-case scenario.
Sale threw an 11-strikeout complete-game shutout on August 27, allowing five hits, no walks.
Alex Rodriguez called Sale the right pitcher at the right time for Atlanta.

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