LAD-ATL NLCS G3 lineups, FAQ (FS1, 6 ET)
The Braves will be looking to push the Dodgers to the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field, while Los Angeles is hoping the ninth-inning rally that fell just short in Game 2 signals the offensive breakout it needs to get back into contention.
The Dodgers had been limited to only one run over the first 15 innings before getting to Atlanta’s bullpen Tuesday. They will try to run up the pitch count on Braves starter Kyle Wright in Game 3, while giving the ball to versatile lefty Julio Urías, who will hope to neutralize surging slugger Freddie Freeman.
When is the game and how can I watch it?
The game will air Wednesday on FS1 at 6 p.m. ET/3 PT. It is also available to stream on MLB.TV with authentication.
Who will be the home team?
The Braves, because they are the second seed, were the visiting team in Games 1 and 2, and now they will be the home team in Games 3 and 4, batting last.
What are the starting lineups?
Braves: To avoid Nick Markakis having to face the left-handed Urías, manager Brian Snitker moved Austin Riley to left field and started Johan Camargo at third.
- Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Travis d'Arnaud, C
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Austin Riley, LF
- Johan Camargo, 3B
- Cristian Pache, CF
Dodgers: Edwin Ríos will make his first postseason appearance since the NL Wild Card Series opener, starting at third. After DHing on Tuesday, Joc Pederson starts in left, with AJ Pollock sitting.
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Corey Seager, SS
- Justin Turner, DH
- Max Muncy, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Joc Pederson, LF
- Edwin Ríos, 3B
- Chris Taylor, 2B
Who are the starting pitchers?
Braves: Wright ended the regular season in impressive fashion, and he continued to shine when he tossed six scoreless innings in his first career postseason start against the Marlins in Game 3 of the NL Division Series last week. He has completed at least six innings in each of his past four outings. He had completed at least five frames only once in five starts prior to that stretch this season.
Dodgers: Urías will get his first start since Sept. 17, although he has been used as a bulk reliever since, including a six-inning appearance on Sept. 23. In two relief outings this postseason, he has allowed one unearned run in eight innings with 11 strikeouts and only one walk.
How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Braves: With Tyler Matzek having worked two innings on Tuesday, Bryse Wilson or Huascar Ynoa are options if the Braves need an early entry from a multi-inning reliever. But at least one of them will likely be used to start Game 4 or 5. Shane Greene and Will Smith will both be available for any high-leverage situations. Closer Mark Melancon had to work a second consecutive day after the Dodgers pulled within two runs on Tuesday, but he will be available if necessary.
Dodgers: Los Angeles has gone to the bullpen 11 times already in two games. Relatively rested are Brusdar Graterol, Kenley Jansen, Victor González and Blake Treinen. Manager Dave Roberts conceded the three-batter minimum rule has discouraged him from using a left-hander to face the dangerous Freeman.
Are there any relievers who are unavailable?
Braves: Chris Martin will almost certainly be unavailable after appearing in both of the past two games.
Dodgers: Jake McGee is the only Dodger who pitched in both games.
Any injuries of note?
Braves: Adam Duvall’s oblique strain is the team’s first health concern of the postseason.
Dodgers: Kershaw’s back spasms. Walker Buehler’s blisters.
Who is hot and who is not?
Braves: Freeman and Albies have homered in each of the first two games of this series. Meanwhile, Acuña has gone 1-for-8 with five strikeouts.
Dodgers: Every position starter had at least one hit in Game 2, but Seager has been their most explosive hitter of the postseason. He’s now 8-for-26 with three doubles, two homers and eight RBIs in the playoffs.
Anything else fans want to know?
Braves: Atlanta has now scored first in each of its seven games this postseason. The Braves went 24-6 when scoring first during the regular season, the NL’s best mark and second best in the Majors, trailing only Tampa Bay (25-6).
Dodgers: Muncy’s seven career postseason home runs are tied for fourth-most in Dodgers franchise history behind Duke Snider (11), Steve Garvey (10) and Justin Turner (9).