The Atlanta Braves are set to play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in LA. Atlanta will then return home for a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. While Bryce Elder is pitching on Sunday, the team has yet to announce its starters for the Cubs series, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Bowman reports that JR Ritchie, Martin Perez and Grant Homes are the options to start the games. Chris Sale is expected to be available for Thursday's game, which is the final contest of the series.
Sale has been tremendous all season. He currently holds a 2.20 ERA. Meanwhile, Elder will enter Sunday's matchup with a 2.02 ERA. He has been one of the best surprises in the sport.
Holmes has been up and down this year, as he holds a 4.34 ERA at the moment. Perez has impressed in his seven outings (five starts), turning in a 2.38 ERA. Ritchie has made only three starts and he's pitched to a 3.63 ERA during that span.
The Braves' pitching has been a strength. The rotation was battling a plethora of injuries heading into the '26 campaign, which led to legitimate questions. However, the team has answered those questions.
Atlanta is currently tied for second in ERA with a mark of 3.17. They are also third in WHIP, 10th in strikeouts and first in batting average against. The offense has certainly helped matters as well, but the Braves' pitching has been stellar.
Braves and Dodgers Series
The Braves and Dodgers are two of the best teams in all of MLB. They could end up playing in the National League Championship Series.
Los Angeles earned the win at home on Friday by a final score of 3-1. On Saturday, the Braves bounced back with a 7-2 victory. It has been a competitive series as expected.
The ball clubs are going head-to-head once again on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. While it is only May, earning a series win would feel like a statement for either of these teams.
The Dodgers were the favorite heading into the 2026 season. After all, they have won back-to-back World Series championships and their roster has only continued to improve. In fact, the Dodgers have won three championships this decade. There have been six total World Series winners so far this decade, and the Dodgers and Braves have combined for four of those championships.
Sunday's game will surely be another competitive matchup.
