
ATLANTA -- For the second time in less than a week, the Braves will take the field in front of their home fans for a win-or-go-home ballgame.
Unlike last week’s winner-take-all game against the Phillies, though, Atlanta will simply be trying to extend its National League Division Series showdown against the Dodgers in Game 4 on Wednesday night at Truist Park. After alternating wins through the first three games, the Dodgers will be looking to punch their ticket to a third straight NL Championship Series, while the Braves hope to send the series back to Los Angeles for a Game 5.
"All these games have been close,” Braves outfielder Michael Harris II said. “So just trust our stuff, trust who's on the mound and go out there and get some runs for [starter Tyler Mahle], so we can have a chance to go back to L.A."
As for who is on the mound, here’s a full breakdown of the pitching matchup -- and everything else you need to know -- for Game 4:
When is the game and how can I watch it?
Game 4 is underway at Truist Park. It is being broadcast on FS1/FOX One.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Braves: RHP Tyler Mahle
Key stat: 1.99 ERA over his final nine regular-season starts
Mahle was a great find at the Trade Deadline. The right-hander had a 5.13 ERA through 18 starts with the Giants when he was acquired. But he posted a 1.28 ERA in his first eight starts for Atlanta and then rebounded from a clunker in his regular-season finale to shine in his first career postseason appearance. He limited the Phillies to one run over seven innings in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series last week. His success with Atlanta has been fueled by his decision to decrease his cutter usage and increase his splitter usage.
Dodgers: RHP Tyler Glasnow
Key stat: 11.92 K/9 ranked fourth among MLB starters (min. 70 IP)
Glasnow was limited to just 13 starts due to a back injury in the regular season, but he finished strong with double-digit strikeouts in back-to-back outings, which were both quality starts. Glasnow pitched in a hybrid role last postseason -- recording a 1.69 ERA in six appearances (three starts) -- but is expected to be used in more of a traditional starting role this time around. Last year, the Dodgers won every postseason game he appeared in, culminating with Game 7 of the World Series.
What are the starting lineups?
Braves: Although Ronald Acuña Jr.’s right knee is bothering him, manager Walt Weiss said after seeing Acuña run in the outfield early Wednesday that the 2023 NL MVP is "just a little sore," prompting Weiss to insert Acuña in right field for Game 4. Starting Acuña in right enables the Braves to use Sean Murphy as the catcher and Drake Baldwin as the DH while keeping the struggling Ha-Seong Kim -- 1-for-30 since Sept. 12 -- on the bench rather than starting him at shortstop. Also notable is Weiss' decision to kick off his lineup with Michael Harris II, who hadn't batted higher than cleanup in any of the Braves' games this postseason.
1. Michael Harris II, CF
2. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Ozzie Albies, 2B
5. Drake Baldwin, DH
6. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
7. Mauricio Dubón, SS
8. Austin Riley, 3B
9. Sean Murphy, C
Dodgers: The Dodgers made big adjustments to face Chris Sale, so they're reverting back to a more typical lineup for Game 4. Shohei Ohtani normally leads off against right-handed pitchers, but because he still does not look quite right at the plate, Roberts continues to bat him lower in the lineup than usual.
1. Mookie Betts, SS
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Will Smith, C
4. Shohei Ohtani, DH
5. Teoscar Hernández, LF
6. Max Muncy, 3B
7. Kiké Hernández, 2B
8. Kyle Tucker, RF
9. Andy Pages, CF
How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Braves: The Braves should have their entire bullpen available. This includes Didier Fuentes, who threw 47 pitches over 3 2/3 innings in Game 2 on Sunday. The 21-year-old may not be available to pitch multiple innings, but he might not need to with three other high-leverage options -- Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias -- all available.
Dodgers: After Yoshinobu Yamamoto covered seven innings in Game 3, the Dodgers only had to use top leverage arms Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz to finish the game. Those two, as well as the other six relievers, should be available as L.A. looks to close out the NLDS in Game 4.
Any injuries of note?
Braves: RHP Bryce Elder (right knee surgery) and LHP Martín Pérez (lower back discomfort) will not be available during this series. Both could be available if the Braves advance to the NLCS. Acuña is back in right field despite being moved to DH about 90 minutes before the first pitch of Game 3 due to a lingering right knee problem.
Dodgers: Ohtani (right biceps, left knee) and Freeman (right knee) are managing lingering injuries. Rojas exited Game 3 with lower back pain and is not in the Game 4 starting lineup. World Series hero Will Klein (right elbow discomfort) has faced hitters, but he has not pitched in a game since July 31 and is viewed as more of a depth option.
Who is hot and who is not?
Braves: Baldwin (.130), Acuña (.143) and Olson (.174) have yet to get it going this postseason. Harris has been the club's biggest threat, hitting .375 (9-for-24) with three extra-base hits.
Dodgers: Tucker (.333), Freeman (.364) and Betts (.300) have been the most consistent performers through three games. Smith (.083) and Pages (.182) picked up their first hits of the postseason in Game 3, and the Dodgers are still looking to see better at-bats from Ohtani (.200).
Anything else fans might want to know?
- The Braves won five of six against the Dodgers during the regular season.
- The Dodgers have won four consecutive postseason games on the road going back to Game 2 of the 2025 World Series.
- Roberts is tied with Tony La Russa with 71 postseason wins, the second most by a manager. He's one win away from being alone in second place, with a ways to go to catch all-time leader Joe Torre (84).



