Braves-Dodgers G3 lineups, FAQ (Live, TBS)

Throughout his young career, Walker Buehler has delivered with big postseason performances when the Dodgers have needed him the most. In order for Los Angeles to avoid a daunting 3-0 series deficit, its ace will need to come through with another one of his signature outings.

Buehler, who pitched on short rest for the first time in his career in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Giants, will take the mound on an extra day of rest on Tuesday in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the Braves.

Atlanta will counter with right-hander Charlie Morton, who also pitched on short rest in Game 4 of the NLDS. Morton, like Buehler, also has plenty of experience and success in the postseason.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know leading up to Tuesday’s crucial Game 3.

When is the game and how can I watch it?
Game 3 starts at 5:08 p.m. ET/2:08 PT on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, and it will be televised on TBS. It is also available to stream on MLB.TV with authentication.

What are the starting lineups?
Braves: Freddie Freeman has struggled, but Eddie Rosario has found comfort while filling the leadoff spot during this series. Former Dodger Joc Pederson has homered in each of his past four postseason series.

1. Eddie Rosario, LF
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Ozzie Albies, 2B
4. Austin Riley, 3B
5. Joc Pederson, RF
6. Adam Duvall, CF
7. Travis d'Arnaud, C
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Charlie Morton, SP

Dodgers: Justin Turner returns to the starting lineup after being out of it for Game 2 as he dealt with a neck stinger, though he later entered as a pinch-hitter. Gavin Lux starts in center with Chris Taylor in left, meaning AJ Pollock will start on the bench.

1. Mookie Betts, RF
2. Corey Seager, SS
3. Trea Turner, 2B
4. Will Smith, C
5. Justin Turner, 3B
6. Gavin Lux, CF
7. Cody Bellinger, 1B
8. Chris Taylor, LF
9. Walker Buehler, P

Who are the starting pitchers?
Braves: Morton (14-6, 3.34 ERA) will be making his first postseason appearance at Dodger Stadium since he clinched the 2017 World Series for the Astros with four strong relief innings in Game 7. The veteran right-hander was given a couple extra days to recover after starting on short rest in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Brewers.

Dodgers: Buehler (16-4, 2.47 ERA) will be tasked with shutting down the Braves’ offense in Game 3. Buehler started Games 1 and 4 of the NLDS, throwing 71 pitches in the latter. After Monday’s off-day, Buehler should be fully rested.

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Braves: Right-hander Jacob Webb and left-hander A.J. Minter have often been used to bridge the gap to the seventh inning. But lefty Tyler Matzek has been given a chance to handle a majority of the high-leverage situations in the seventh or eighth innings. Luke Jackson has been the primary setup man for closer Will Smith.

Dodgers: After Julio Urías threw 14 pitches in Game 2, Los Angeles will likely stay away from the left-hander in Game 3, given that he’s slated to start Game 4 the following night. The goal for the Dodgers is to get into the late innings with Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen on the mound.

Are there any relievers who are unavailable?
Braves: Everyone will be available. But Huascar Ynoa and Minter may see their usage influenced by the possibility that either could be used as an opener in Game 4.

Dodgers: Following the off-day, everyone will be available.

Any injuries of note?
Braves: Jorge Soler could miss all or a significant portion of the NLCS. He was placed on the COVID-19 injured list prior to Game 4 of the NLDS and he will likely remain there for at least 10 days.

Dodgers: Max Muncy (left elbow) and Clayton Kershaw (left elbow) are both unavailable for the NLCS. Muncy is hopeful to return for a potential World Series appearance. Kershaw is out for the remainder of the season.

Who is hot and who is not?
Braves: Riley has hit .364 (8-for-22) with two homers, a double and a 1.098 OPS in the postseason. … Rosario tallied four hits in Game 2 and now has .844 OPS through 23 postseason plate appearances. … Freeman has struck out in seven of eight plate appearances during the NLCS.

Dodgers: If the Dodgers want to get back into this series, they’re going to need Trea Turner to get hot at the plate. After leading the league in batting average (.328) during the regular season, Turner has struggled during the playoffs. He struck out three times in Game 2 and is now 7-for-35 (.200) in eight postseason games.

Chris Taylor is one player who is swinging the bat well for the Dodgers. Taylor hit a go-ahead two-run double in Game 2 and is now 6-for-21 (.286) with a homer and six RBIs this postseason.

Anything else fans might want to know?
In postseason history, teams taking a 2-0 lead in any best-of-seven series have gone on to win that series 73 of 87 times (84%). The most recent comeback from a 2-0 deficit involved these same teams, with the Dodgers rallying from both 2-0 and 3-1 down to advance.