Chris Sale skipped for NLDS Game 2 as Braves line up another bullpen game

The Atlanta Braves will not give the ball to ace left-hander Chris Sale for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Sale pitched out of the bullpen on Thursday in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, recording four outs on 21 pitches, and the club has decided he needs additional rest before his next start.

On Friday, manager Walt Weiss indicated that Sale might not be ready to start until Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday, saying the decision was largely “going to depend on how Chris feels.” Sale has been handled carefully down the stretch, and the Braves are reluctant to push him after a demanding stretch of appearances.

Kerr to open Game 2 as Braves lean on bullpen again

With Sale unavailable, left-hander Ray Kerr will serve as the opener for Game 2 at Dodger Stadium. Kerr delivered a standout 3 ⅓-inning outing in that role on Thursday against the Phillies, helping Atlanta advance. Right-hander Grant Holmes is a strong candidate to follow as the bulk reliever after throwing two innings and 28 pitches in the same game.

Sunday will mark the Braves’ third consecutive game managed primarily by the bullpen. In Game 1 of the NLDS, lefty Dylan Dodd opened with three scoreless innings before handing off to Smith-Shawver for multiple frames. The pattern reflects the reality of a heavily depleted starting staff.

Injuries thin rotation and reshape Sale’s role

Atlanta entered October with a rotation ravaged by injuries. Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow surgery), Spencer Strider (elbow inflammation), Reynaldo López (shoulder inflammation), Martín Pérez (back inflammation) and Hurston Waldrep (Tommy John surgery) are all unavailable. Another starter, Mahle, sustained a minor abdominal issue while warming for Game 2 of the Wild Card Series but still went seven innings and threw 95 pitches, leaving the Braves reluctant to consider him on short rest.

Choosing not to start Sale in Game 2 has implications later in the matchup with Los Angeles. Had he taken the mound Sunday, the 2024 Cy Young winner could have been lined up to pitch again in a potential Game 5 on regular rest. If he instead opens Game 3, Sale is effectively limited to one start in the series, though another relief appearance remains possible. Should he be unable to go in Game 3, Atlanta’s already thin rotation would be stretched to the breaking point.

Dodgers strike first in the NLDS

The Dodgers already hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five after a 5-3 win in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium. Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker each hit a two-run homer, while Max Muncy added a solo shot. Trade deadline acquisition and reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal struck out seven over six innings, allowing just one run. Game 2 is set for Sunday night in Los Angeles.