Dodgers-Braves G4: Lineups, matchups, FAQs

October 8th, 2018

It seemed uncertain for a while, but there will be a Game 4 in this National League Division Series. The Braves finally got off of zero on Sunday, and they did so in a big way, but they had to hold on tight before securing a hard-fought 6-5 win in Game 3.
That means there will be a second postseason game at SunTrust Park, and if it's anything like the first one, fans will be in for a treat.
:: NLDS schedule and results ::
The Dodgers will showcase their rotation depth when they trot out one of the game's most effective lefties in Rich Hill, who also happens to be their No. 4 starter. The Braves will display their sense of urgency by turning to ace Mike Foltynewicz, who will pitch on three days' rest after a short start in Game 1.
What do the starting lineups look like?
Dodgers: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This lineup, in virtually the same order, chased Foltynewicz after two innings in Game 1.
1. , LF
2. , 3B
3. , 1B
4. Manny Machado, SS
5. , C
6. , 2B
7. , CF
8. , RF
9. Rich Hill, P
LA shows clout, but missed chances stand out
Braves: The Braves struggled against and , but they produced the NL's second-best OPS against left-handers:
1. , CF
2. , 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. , RF
5. , 3B
6. Tyler Flowers, C
7. , CF, POS
8. Charlie Culberson, SS,
9. Mike Foltynewicz, P
Acuna youngest to hit postseason grand slam
Who are the starting pitchers?
Dodgers: Hill (11-5, 3.66), with a new windup to prevent tipping pitches, is coming off seven scoreless innings against the Giants in Game 162. In seven postseason starts for the Dodgers, he's 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings.

Braves: Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85) was bothered by the fact he surrendered two homers and lasted just two innings in Game 1. The All-Star hurler threw just 50 pitches, so the Braves will comfortably bring their ace back on short rest for this must-win game. He must harness his emotions much better than he did when he made his first career postseason appearance last week.
How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Dodgers: The back end is rested, as last pitched in Game 2 and not since Game 1. Buehler helped by sticking around for five innings.
Braves: Closer threw 31 pitches while working a scoreless ninth and converting the save on Sunday night. Given his recent right shoulder history, there's reason to be concerned about how effective he might be. But with nothing to lose and the season on the line, manager Brian Snitker said he may once again hand the ball to Vizcaino with a ninth-inning lead.

Look for to once again be used as a matchup option against left-handers. He threw one too many curveballs when he allowed a game-tying solo homer to Muncy in Sunday's fifth inning.

Chad Sobotka worked a perfect seventh in Game 3 and will once again serve as one of the top high-leverage options.
Are there any relievers who are unavailable?
Dodgers: made 21 pitches in striking out the side, so he might be limited.
Braves:Touki Toussaint threw 29 pitches as he escaped Sunday's sixth inning in scoreless fashion. The Braves may be hesitant to use him. This could create a chance for to be used for at least one inning.

Any injuries of note?
Dodgers: None of note.
Braves: Former Dodger Culberson has manned the shortstop position in place of Dansby Swanson, who is sidelined with a torn tendon in his left hand.
Who is hot and who is not?
Dodgers: Muncy has an OPS of 1.500, thanks to two homers and four walks. Machado is 1-for-12 with a homer and seven strikeouts.
Braves: Camargo has gone 0-for-12 with four strikeouts through the first three games. But he is 3-for-6 with two doubles against Hill. Acuna's grand slam on Sunday was one of the three hits he has tallied over his past seven at-bats. Ender Inciarte has gone 0-for-10 with four strikeouts during this series.

Anything else fans might want to know?
Ryu and Kershaw prepared on Sunday for a Wednesday Game 5 start, if necessary. Ryu would be pitching with one more day of rest. If the series goes that far, Atlanta would be expected to counter with .