The Los Angeles Dodgers meet the Atlanta Braves Wednesday at Truist Park after Atlanta opened the series with a 4-3 victory. Atlanta improved to 77-55; Los Angeles fell to 80-52. Ozzie Albies drove home the deciding run with an eighth-inning single, then Raisel Iglesias recorded his 28th save after Shohei Ohtani tripled in the ninth.
Los Angeles sends Roki Sasaki against AJ Smith-Shawver. Sasaki enters 5-5 with a 4.42 ERA and 114 strikeouts. Smith-Shawver is 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA across two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery.
For full breakdowns, game odds, and daily analysis across the diamond, check out our latest MLB betting coverage.
Dodgers vs Braves Schedule
First pitch is set for 7:15 PM ET on August 26 at Truist Park. SportsNet LA, BravesVision and MLB Network carry coverage. The MLB probable pitchers page confirms Sasaki and Smith-Shawver as the scheduled starters.
Atlanta owns the series edge after Tuesday’s comeback. The Dodgers produced 10 hits but scored three runs. Albies delivered the decisive hit, and Iglesias protected the lead. To discuss pitching matchups and exchange picks with other bettors, visit our sports betting forum.
Dodgers vs Braves Odds
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -1.5 (+128) | -127 | Over 8.5 (-118) |
| Atlanta Braves | +1.5 (-148) | +115 | Under 8.5 (-102) |
The moneyline makes Los Angeles a modest road favorite. That price is more attractive than the run line, which asks the Dodgers to win by multiple runs against a 77-win Atlanta club.
The 8.5 total reflects uncertainty around Smith-Shawver and Sasaki’s recent form.
Sasaki Has Found Better Run Prevention
Sasaki’s season ERA remains above four, yet his recent stretch is stronger than that full-season number suggests. MLB notes that he has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six consecutive starts entering Wednesday.
His 2026 line includes 116 innings, 114 strikeouts and a 1.30 WHIP. His strikeout rate sits at 23.1 percent, up from 17.4 percent as a rookie. His walk rate has fallen to 9.3 percent from 13.7 percent. Those changes point to improving command.
The Roki Sasaki Statcast profile shows a four-pitch mix led by a four-seam fastball and split-finger. Atlanta’s best chance comes from forcing deep counts and making Sasaki work with runners aboard.
Smith-Shawver Faces A Difficult Assignment
Smith-Shawver is making his third major-league start of 2026 after missing more than a year following Tommy John surgery. His first appearance came July 29 against the Mets, when he allowed two earned runs across 4.1 innings. He returned August 19 against Minnesota and surrendered four earned runs in another 4.1-inning start.
| Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roki Sasaki | 5-5 | 4.42 | 116.0 | 114 | 1.30 |
| AJ Smith-Shawver | 0-0 | 6.23 | 8.2 | 7 | 1.62 |
Smith-Shawver has allowed nine hits and five walks through 8.2 innings. His 17.5 percent strikeout rate and 12.5 percent walk rate create a difficult matchup against a Los Angeles lineup capable of punishing extra baserunners.
Dodgers Lineup Can Pressure Atlanta Early
Los Angeles used Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Tommy Edman and Kyle Tucker across the first six spots Tuesday. That group gives Smith-Shawver little recovery room if he falls behind in counts.
Ohtani nearly changed the opener with his ninth-inning triple. Freeman, Betts and Tucker deepen the matchup problem. Smith-Shawver needs early strikes and efficient outs.
Atlanta has its own threats. Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, Albies and Austin Riley can challenge Sasaki. The Braves proved Tuesday that they can win a close game without a huge offensive inning.
Why Dodgers Moneyline Is The Best Bet
Los Angeles moneyline at -127 is the strongest position. Sasaki owns the better current form, deeper 2026 workload and stronger strikeout profile. Smith-Shawver remains early in his return from major elbow surgery and has not completed five innings in either appearance this season.
Atlanta’s lineup can keep the game close, and its bullpen closed Tuesday effectively. Los Angeles still has the clearer path through the first six innings. If Sasaki continues his recent run and the Dodgers force Smith-Shawver into traffic, the visitors should create enough chances to reverse Tuesday’s result.
Official Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Atlanta Braves 3
MLB Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline (-127)
