Dodgers seek first-round bye as Glasnow returns against Braves
Tyler Glasnow makes his first start in nearly three months as the Dodgers face the Braves in a series that could secure a top-two seed and a first-round playoff bye.
After a three-month hiatus, right-hander Tyler Glasnow is slated to start the opening game of the Dodgers-Braves matchup at Truist Park, a series with direct playoff ramifications. The Dodgers, holding an 80-51 record, are vying for a No. 2 seed that guarantees a first-round bye, a scenario manager Dave Roberts has highlighted as crucial for avoiding a brief, high-stakes Wild Card series. Their rivals, the Braves, sit at 76-55 but have dropped seven of their last ten games and are hampered by a faltering offense and limited pitching options following the loss of Spencer Strider and a failed deal for Jacob deGrom.
The Dodgers also aim to even the season series, currently led by Atlanta 2-1, which serves as the primary tiebreaker. Success in Atlanta would place Los Angeles directly into the Division Series, reducing the risk of an early elimination and keeping alive hopes of a third consecutive championship. Meanwhile, other NL contenders such as the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres remain in the mix for the remaining top seeds.
Why it matters
The series determines whether the Dodgers earn a first-round playoff bye, affecting their postseason chances.
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