Photo via Yahoo Sports

Braves’ risky Chris Sale decision could work to Dodgers’ NLDS benefit

The Braves opted for a second consecutive bullpen effort in Game 2 of the NLDS, naming left‑hander Ray Kerr as the opener after a 5‑3 loss in Saturday’s opener. Manager Walt Weiss said the move preserves a fully rested Chris Sale, who threw 95 pitches in a 6 ⅓‑inning start in the wild‑card round and later added 21 bullpen pitches in a winner‑take‑all Game 3 against Philadelphia.

Weiss emphasized that Sale will still appear in the series, but delaying his start until Game 3 means he would have only two days’ rest if the series extends, limiting his availability to a brief bullpen role rather than a full start. The decision aims to keep the Braves competitive while avoiding a two‑game deficit, even though it may cost the team a stronger pitching option later in the series.

Up nextMLB· 1h ago

Ray Kerr, Didier Fuentes, Michael Harris II deliver for bold Braves to level NLDS vs. Dodgers