Truist Park
Forecast for Atlanta: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with highs near 90–93°F during the day, dropping to the mid-70s by first pitch. Chance of showers/thunderstorms ~30–40% (mainly afternoon/evening), light southeast winds ~5 mph, humidity elevated. Heat index can approach the upper 90s earlier. Conditions favor hitters slightly if the ball carries, with low rain disruption risk at game time.
Current Rosters & Key Players
Dodgers (strong offense, deep pitching):
Key hitters: Shohei Ohtani (DH, ~.288/.389/.545, 30 HR), Freddie Freeman (1B, ~.302), Mookie Betts (SS), Max Muncy (3B, power), Tommy Edman (2B/utility), Kyle Tucker (RF), Teoscar Hernández/Alex Call/Alek Thomas (OF options). Catchers include Hunter Feduccia/Ben Rortvedt (Will Smith on IL). Rotation depth includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, Tyler Glasnow (recent return). Bullpen: Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, etc.
Braves:
Key hitters: Matt Olson (1B, ~.258/.333/.531, 36 HR), Michael Harris II (CF, ~.293–.294), Ozzie Albies (2B), Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF, back and contributing), Austin Riley (3B), Drake Baldwin (C), Mauricio Dubón (utility/SS), Mike Yastrzemski/others in OF/DH. Rotation: Chris Sale, Bryce Elder, etc., with Smith-Shawver filling in. Bullpen led by Raisel Iglesias.
Projected lineups typically feature Ohtani/Freeman/Betts/Muncy high for LAD and Baldwin/Acuña/Olson/Harris/Albies for ATL (subject to final cards ~90 minutes before first pitch).
Injury Reports
Dodgers: Will Smith (C, 60-day IL, neck, ~Sep 1); Bobby Miller, Blake Treinen, Ben Casparius (60-day IL); Will Klein (15-day IL, elbow, ~Aug 28); Andy Pages (OF, hand, day-to-day/IL); Dalton Rushing (C, arm/elbow issues); Edwin Díaz and others listed as questionable or limited in some reports. Rotation and core position players largely available.
Braves: Spencer Strider (SP, 60-day IL, elbow, ~Sep 18); Spencer Schwellenbach (SP, 60-day IL, elbow, ~Sep 22); Joe Jiménez (RP, 60-day IL, knee, ~Sep 14); Robert Suarez (RP, 15-day IL, elbow, ~Sep 18); Reynaldo López (RP, 15-day IL, knee, ~Aug 28). Position-player group relatively healthy with Acuña active.
Both clubs deal with bullpen/rotation depth concerns, but starters for this game are available.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Sasaki vs. Braves power (Olson, Harris II, Acuña, Riley): Sasaki’s HR susceptibility is a concern against lefty-heavy or pull power. Olson (LHB) and Harris project well; limiting barrels will be key.
Smith-Shawver vs. Dodgers stars (Ohtani, Freeman, Muncy, Betts): Limited sample makes projections tough. Ohtani’s plate discipline and power, plus Freeman’s contact, could pressure the young righty early. Muncy’s power from the left side is a threat.
Secondary: Albies/Harris speed vs. Dodgers defense; Tucker/Edman versatility vs. Braves infield. Bullpen matchups (Scott/Iglesias) likely decide late innings.
Recent Team Forms
Dodgers: 7-3 in last 10 (strong stretch including Pirates sweep and Rockies wins before the series-opening loss). Excellent road record (~40-26). Offense ranks near top in AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS; pitching solid (3.67 ERA).
Braves: 4-6 in last 10 (recent W2 including Game 1 of this series). Strong home mark (~43-23). Offense solid in HR but lower AVG/OBP; pitching strong overall (3.60 ERA).
Dodgers have been the hotter club overall entering the series; Braves showed resilience in Game 1.Series History2026 season series: Braves lead 3-1 after taking 2-of-3 in May at Dodger Stadium (Dodgers won opener 3-1; Braves took the next two 7-2 each) and winning Game 1 of this series 4-3. Historical all-time is closely contested (Dodgers slight edge in many counts). This series carries tiebreaker weight for potential NL seeding/bye scenarios.
Betting Trends
Trends: Dodgers strong as favorites; Braves competitive at home and as underdogs. Totals have mixed results in recent H2H (some unders). Sasaki’s starts and Truist Park nights often play toward mid-range scoring. Public lean toward Dodgers ML given form and pitching edge.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers – 127
Atlanta Braves 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, August 25, 2026
