Atlanta Braves Plan Opener Strategy for NLDS Game 2 Against Dodgers, Chris Sale to Start Game 3

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, October 4, 2026 — The Atlanta Braves are adopting a specific pitching strategy for their upcoming National League Division Series (NLDS) matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to available information, the team intends to utilize reliever Ray Kerr as an “opener” for Game 2 of the series.

An opener is typically a starting pitcher who pitches the first inning or two of a game before handing it over to a more traditional relief pitcher. This strategy is often employed to gain a favorable matchup or to manage pitcher workloads.

Following this opener role for Game 2, the Braves have designated veteran pitcher Chris Sale as the scheduled starter for Game 3 of the NLDS. The specific date and location for Game 2 and Game 3 of this series were not provided in the summary. The exact reasoning behind the decision to use Kerr as an opener for Game 2 was also not detailed.

Ray Kerr, a relief pitcher, will be tasked with initiating the game against the Dodgers. Chris Sale, a prominent starting pitcher, is slated to take the mound in the subsequent game, Game 3. Further details regarding the full pitching rotation or any alternative plans were not made available.

Story summarized from the original created by Aaron Schmidt on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.

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