Snell starts Game 2 as Braves seek to even NLDS
Blake Snell starts for the Dodgers in NLDS Game 2 on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on FS1 after Los Angeles' 5-3 Game 1 win. Atlanta still needs to even the series at Dodger Stadium. The Braves' starter remains less settled after Chris Sale's Wild Card relief work.
Atlanta's first chance to answer arrives Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. The Braves trail the Dodgers 0-1 in the National League Division Series after Saturday's 5-3 loss and will face left-hander Blake Snell in Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. Los Angeles announced Snell for Sunday and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Tuesday's Game 3 in Atlanta after Tarik Skubal's six-inning Game 1 gem.
Snell gives Atlanta a second straight left-handed look. The Braves hit just .240 against lefties in the regular season, and manager Dave Roberts said usage mapping and rest math drove the Skubal-Snell-Yamamoto order as much as matchup. Snell started three Game 1s last postseason for Los Angeles and owns a deep October track record with the club.
Atlanta's Game 2 starter is the open question. Chris Sale closed the Wild Card clincher with short-rest relief and was not locked for Saturday's opener; desks covering the series have kept Sale and Grant Holmes in the conversation depending on how Sale feels and how the Braves want to attack a 0-1 hole. Fans should wait for the Braves' posted card rather than assume a name from social media.
Backstory: Los Angeles used a bye; Atlanta burned a three-game Wild Card against Philadelphia. Best-of-five pressure rises fast when a road club must steal one of the first two in Los Angeles before the series shifts east.
Where to watch: Braves at Dodgers, Game 2, Sunday 8 p.m. ET on FS1 from Dodger Stadium.
What we know:
Snell starts for Los Angeles. First pitch is 8 p.m. ET on FS1. The Dodgers lead 1-0 after Skubal's win.
What we don't:
Atlanta's locked Game 2 starter and final lineup cards until managers post them.
Preview discipline: Snell is locked; Atlanta's arm is not. Watch FS1 for first pitch and MLB.com or the clubs for confirmed lineups.
Where outlets agree True Blue LA and CBS Sports agree Snell starts Sunday's 8 p.m. ET FS1 Game 2 with the Dodgers leading 1-0.
Where they differ Atlanta's Game 2 starter remains unsettled in public reports after Sale's Wild Card relief outing.