Atlanta Braves Will Use Bullpen Strategy for Game 2
The Braves shift their pitching plans for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on October 5.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Baseball
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Following a 5-3 loss in Game 1, the Atlanta Braves will utilize a bullpen-led pitching rotation for Game 2 of the NLDS on October 5. Ray Kerr is set to open the game as the relief pitcher, with Grant Holmes expected to follow in the rotation.
Why it matters
The team moved Chris Sale from the Game 2 start to Game 3 to provide him additional rest during the series. This strategic adjustment aims to help Atlanta recover from their opening defeat and even the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Atlanta Braves dropped the series opener 5-3 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team is now pivoting to a bullpen game for the second matchup at 8 p.m. ET.
The players
Walt Weiss
He serves as the manager for the Atlanta Braves and oversees the team's strategic decisions during the postseason.
Chris Sale
He is a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who has been moved to start in Game 3 to allow for extra rest.
Ray Kerr
He is a relief pitcher who is tasked with starting the bullpen-led effort for the Braves in Game 2.
Grant Holmes
He is a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves expected to contribute to the relief rotation during the second game of the NLDS.
Atlanta Braves
This professional baseball franchise is based in Atlanta and is competing in the National League Division Series.
The details
Manager Walt Weiss confirmed several lineup changes, including shifting Drake Baldwin to catcher, moving Sean Murphy to designated hitter, and placing Mauricio Dubon at shortstop. Additionally, Lane Thomas will take over in left field while Ha-Seong Kim moves to the bench.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: Manager Walt Weiss confirmed the lineup and pitching changes.
October 5, 2026: The Atlanta Braves play Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET.
October 6, 2026: Chris Sale is scheduled to start in Game 3.
Season Trajectory
This roster move signals a critical shift in the Braves' approach as they attempt to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit. By prioritizing bullpen depth now, the club hopes to preserve their top-tier rotation for later games in the postseason.
The change to a bullpen game for Game 2 means that high-leverage relief arms will likely be used earlier than in a standard starter-led contest. Fans should anticipate a constant rotation of pitchers throughout the evening to keep the Dodgers' hitters off balance.
The takeaway
Strategic adjustments during a short playoff series often require sacrificing traditional roles to secure a single must-win victory. Adapting the roster to player fatigue and series momentum is essential for managing a long postseason run.
Further reading
For more updates on the playoff series, visit the Baseball section.
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