Dodgers and Braves Clash in Key MLB Series for Playoff Position

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves face off in a critical three-game MLB series at Truist Park starting Tuesday night, August 25, 2026, with playoff seeding implications in the National League.

Both teams lead their divisions and are competing for a first-round bye in the postseason, awarded to the top two teams in the league. The Dodgers recently reached 80 wins and hold a 9 1/2 game lead in the NL West, while the Braves lead the NL East by 3 1/2 games over the Phillies despite recent struggles.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the importance of the series and the quality of the Braves, saying, "Obviously, I think the season series matters, and hopefully, it doesn't come into play. They're a really good ballclub. I think they're sort of scuffling right now, but we're going to get their best."

The Dodgers have rebounded with a six-game winning streak after a 5-11 stretch and will field Tyler Glasnow for his first start since May. Shohei Ohtani is expected to return soon.

Roberts also noted offensive challenges, stating, "L.A.'s lineup took a notable hit last weekend when Andy Pages sustained a fracture in his left hand on a hit-by-pitch, leaving the team without one of its most prolific run producers for at least the next four weeks. The Dodgers will need hitters such as Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker -- who have all struggled to perform consistently -- to step up in Pages' absence."

Braves officials face a team-wide offensive slump, highlighted by key players' low batting averages and strikeouts over recent games. The Braves' offense averaged 2.1 runs per game in their seven-game road trip and had not homered before Michael Harris II’s recent blast.

Regarding offensive struggles, it was reported, "Over their last 10 games, Ronald Acuña Jr. is just 6-for-40 (.150) with 16 strikeouts, while Matt Olson (.184 average), Ozzie Albies (.216) and Austin Riley (.200) have also struggled. The team sports a .215 average overall in that span, with more strikeouts (88) than hits (71)."

The Braves' Bryce Elder will start Tuesday's game against Glasnow. Elder has been solid recently with four of five starts allowing one earned run or fewer.

Sports analysts note Elder's past performance against the Dodgers, adding context to the matchup: "Elder started against the Dodgers back in LA earlier this season and had one of his better outings of the year, an eight-strikeout, four-walk affair in 5 2/3 innings. The Braves gave him a four-run lead early, and he and the bullpen pretty much rode it to the end of the game."

The last time these teams met in May, the Braves won two of three games at Dodger Stadium. Both teams enter this series with stronger rosters, including the Dodgers having Betts back and the Braves with Acuña returning from injury.

The series outcome could impact postseason seeding, with the Dodgers needing a sweep to clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker, while the Braves only need to win the series to hold that advantage.