The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off against the Atlanta Braves in a highly anticipated three-game series at Dodger Stadium starting Monday. As both teams are among the most successful and dominant franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), this series promises to be a thrilling encounter, with major implications for playoff positioning and momentum as we move deeper into the season.
Both the Dodgers and Braves have been perennial contenders in the National League (NL), and with star-studded rosters and strong pitching staffs, each game of this series is expected to feature elite performances and potentially pivotal moments. As the Dodgers look to maintain their position atop the NL standings, and the Braves strive to solidify their claim as one of the top teams in the league, there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding this matchup.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key storylines, players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come out on top in this three-game series.
A Tale of Two Powerhouses
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves are two of the most successful and respected teams in MLB, and their histories are rich with championship aspirations. As of 2025, both teams have a solid foundation built on stellar talent and a winning culture. Their matchups are often highly competitive, and this series will certainly be no different.
The Dodgers, led by manager Dave Roberts, have been one of the most consistent teams in recent years. Since their World Series win in 2020, the Dodgers have continued to remain in contention for the top spot in the NL. The team boasts a star-studded lineup featuring heavy hitters like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, and they also have one of the most formidable pitching rotations in the league. With a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars, the Dodgers are a well-rounded team that can beat opponents in many different ways.
On the other side, the Atlanta Braves are fresh off a World Series win in 2021 and have since built a roster that looks like it could compete for titles for years to come. The Braves have a dynamic offense, headlined by Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, all of whom are capable of carrying the team on any given day. The Braves’ pitching staff has also been solid, with Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton anchoring the rotation. The Braves have become known for their combination of power, depth, and resilience, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Both teams are championship-caliber squads, and their upcoming series has the potential to be a thrilling battle between two of the league’s best.
Key Players to Watch
1. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Mookie Betts is one of the best all-around players in baseball and a crucial leader for the Dodgers. Betts has been consistent throughout his career, providing elite defense, an incredible bat, and speed on the bases. His ability to perform in high-pressure moments makes him a key player for the Dodgers against a tough opponent like the Braves. His bat will be a key factor in setting the tone for the Dodgers’ offense, particularly when facing the Braves’ talented pitchers.
Betts’ versatility in the lineup allows him to hit from various positions in the batting order, but his primary role as a leadoff hitter is crucial to the Dodgers’ offensive production. His ability to get on base and generate runs will be vital, especially when facing pitchers like Max Fried or Spencer Strider, both of whom can dominate a lineup if they’re allowed to settle into the game.
2. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Freddie Freeman, a former MVP and World Series champion with the Braves, is another key piece of the Dodgers’ offensive puzzle. His experience and leadership provide the Dodgers with a steady hand in the heart of the lineup. Freeman is capable of hitting for both average and power, and his ability to make contact in crucial situations makes him one of the toughest outs in the game.
This series will have a special meaning for Freeman, as he faces his former team, the Braves, for the first time at home since his move to Los Angeles. With the potential to come up big against his old club, Freeman will likely be fired up and motivated to make a statement in the series.
3. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves)
Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the most electrifying players in baseball, and his ability to change the course of a game in an instant makes him one of the most dangerous hitters the Dodgers will face. Acuña is a dynamic player who can hit for power, speed, and average, and his aggressive approach at the plate makes him a constant threat. His leadoff abilities, combined with his elite speed on the bases, give the Braves an edge in creating runs early in the game.
Acuña’s ability to hit leadoff home runs or spark a rally in the first inning can put the Dodgers on the backfoot, and he will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Los Angeles pitching staff in this series. How the Dodgers’ pitchers approach Acuña, particularly with the shift in the game’s rules, will be a key storyline throughout the three-game set.
4. Max Fried (Atlanta Braves)
The Braves’ ace, Max Fried, is a pitcher who has become one of the most reliable arms in baseball. His combination of excellent control, a sharp curveball, and a deceptive delivery makes him a tough matchup for any lineup. Fried’s ability to keep hitters off-balance is key to his success, and he will be a crucial player in the Braves’ effort to win the series in Los Angeles.
Fried has been known to step up in big games, and facing the Dodgers in a series that could have postseason implications is the perfect stage for him to showcase his talents. The Dodgers’ offense will need to be patient against him and try to capitalize on any mistakes, but it will be a challenge as Fried typically doesn’t give up many.
5. Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves)
Another pitcher the Dodgers will have to contend with is Spencer Strider, the Braves’ young fireballer who has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting pitchers in the game. Strider’s fastball can touch the upper 90s and even reach 100 mph, making him an overwhelming presence on the mound. His breaking stuff is equally devastating, and his ability to rack up strikeouts makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters.
Strider’s ability to dominate a game with his electric stuff gives the Braves a huge advantage. How the Dodgers’ hitters handle his velocity and swing-and-miss ability will be a critical factor in the outcome of this series.
Key Storylines
1. Pitching Matchups and Starting Rotation
The starting pitching matchups will be key in this series. Both teams boast some of the best pitchers in baseball, and how these pitchers perform on the mound will go a long way in determining the outcome of the games.
For the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Dustin May (depending on the rotation setup) will be counted on to shut down the Braves’ powerful offense. Kershaw, in particular, is always a big game pitcher, and his performance in this series could prove pivotal. However, the Braves’ hitters, including Acuña, Olson, and Riley, will certainly provide a formidable challenge.
The Braves, on the other hand, will likely send out Max Fried and Spencer Strider to start the series. Both pitchers have the ability to go deep into games and dominate opposing lineups. The Dodgers’ patience and ability to adjust will be key in breaking down these two elite pitchers.
2. Playoff Implications
This three-game series could have serious implications on both teams’ playoff positioning. The Dodgers currently sit atop the NL standings, but with teams like the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants close behind, they can’t afford to slip up. On the other hand, the Braves are in the mix for the NL East title and are looking to stay ahead of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams will be aiming to take full advantage of every opportunity in a series like this, knowing that each win matters in the race to secure a favorable playoff spot.
3. The Battle of Depth and Resilience
While star players like Betts, Freeman, Acuña, and Olson will get the spotlight, the depth of both rosters will be just as important in deciding the series. Role players who can contribute offensively or defensively, especially in key moments, often make the difference in tight games. For the Dodgers, players like Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, and Chris Taylor could provide crucial support, while for the Braves, Travis d’Arnaud, Ozzie Albies, and Dansby Swanson will need to step up.