Left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd delivered three scoreless innings as an opener for the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles.
Dodd allowed two hits and no walks while striking out four batters over 47 pitches, 30 of which were strikes.
It was his first appearance as a starter since the 2023 regular season, when he made seven starts.
Braves Lean on Bullpen Again
Atlanta turned to another opener strategy after Ray Kerr held the Philadelphia Phillies to one hit over 3 1/3 innings in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series.
Grant Holmes provided additional relief in that series, throwing 28 pitches over two innings, making him a primary candidate for a similar workload behind Dodd.
The Braves have leaned heavily on bullpen management due to rotation constraints, using only two traditional starters, Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle, during the Wild Card round.
Sale threw 95 pitches in Game 1 and recorded the final four outs of Game 3, leaving him unavailable until Game 2 of the NLDS, while Mahle remains sidelined until Game 3.
Pitching depth remains restricted for Atlanta after Bryce Elder underwent a procedure four weeks ago to remove bone fragments from his right knee.
Elder and teammate Martín Pérez, who is on the injured list with back discomfort, are unavailable for the NLDS but could rejoin the active roster for the NLCS if the team advances.
