Braves’ NL East lead is shrinking. Here come the red-hot Dodgers

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Braves are scuffling. The Phillies are rising. With its NL East lead shrinking, Atlanta’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers may be its most important of the season.

There was a point when the Braves appeared poised to cruise to a first-round bye, holding more than a 10-game lead in the National League East and one of the NL’s top two records. But a lackluster August — coupled with nine straight wins by the Phillies — has left Atlanta clinging to a three-game division lead with one of baseball’s toughest remaining schedules.

That stretch begins with a three-game series against the NL West-leading Dodgers at Truist Park, starting Tuesday live on Gray Media.

The Dodgers arrive on a six-game winning streak after sweeping the Rockies and Pirates, sitting one game behind the Brewers for the best record in the National League. Los Angeles also will get a boost with the return of right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who has been sidelined since his May 6 start because of back spasms and multiple setbacks in his recovery.

The Braves, meanwhile, have lost seven of their past 10 games and posted an 85 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus; 100 is average) in August, which ranks 24th in baseball. The pitching staff has been superb, recording the fifth-best ERA in baseball this month. But the offense must improve if the Braves are to hold onto their NL East lead.

After the three-game series against Los Angeles, Atlanta will host the Rockies for three games beginning Friday, followed by a makeup game against the Giants on Monday from June 18. The Braves then will travel to Washington, D.C., for two games against the Nationals before heading to Philadelphia for a four-game series against the Phillies.

The Rockies and Giants sit near the bottom of the NL West standings, giving the Braves an opportunity to build momentum after the Dodgers series. That could be especially important before Atlanta heads to Washington and Philadelphia for pivotal NL East matchups.

Pitching probables

Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. - Bryce Elder (8-7, 3.92 ERA) vs. Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.72 ERA)

Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. - AJ Smith-Shawver (0-0, 6.23 ERA) vs. Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.42 ERA)

Thursday, 7:15 p.m. - Chris Sale (12-9, 2.20 ERA) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-7, 2.61 ERA)

As mentioned, Glasnow’s return bolsters a Dodgers rotation that has been hit hard by injuries all season. Four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani also remains sidelined from pitching as he recovers from knee inflammation, though he continues to serve as Los Angeles’ everyday designated hitter.

The Braves, meanwhile, continue to use a six-man rotation with AJ Smith-Shawver scheduled to start Wednesday. The 23-year-old has made two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, allowing six runs in 8.2 innings against the Mets and Twins. A matchup with the Dodgers will be his toughest test yet.

Chris Sale, after facing fellow Cy Young Award contender Jacob Misiorowski over the weekend, is set to face Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Thursday.

Hitters to watch

Braves: Atlanta recalled outfielder Brewer Hicklen and demoted Jim Jarvis on Monday, effectively cementing Mauricio Dubón as the team’s starting shortstop. Hicklen served as the 27th man for Atlanta’s Little League Classic game against the Brewers on Sunday and will remain with the club as it looks for production from its lineup with 31 games left in the regular season. It’s crunch time.

Dodgers: Even beyond Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles boasts one of baseball’s most balanced lineups. Despite a lengthy list of injuries this season, much has gone right for the Dodgers. Max Muncy’s recent surge is the latest example. He has posted a 1.129 OPS over his past 13 games — 40 at-bats — with four home runs and 15 RBIs.

How to watch Braves on Gray

The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.