Make California Post a Preferred Source The California Post’s experts make their predictions on the Dodgers-Braves and Padres-Brewers NLDS matchups, which are scheduled to begin Saturday:
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani practices at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Wally Skalij for the CA Post Rich Barak
Dodgers rotation (and restocked bullpen) will prove to be the difference.
Starting pitching. Starting pitching. Starting pitching.
Atlanta spent six regular-season games proving it can bloody the two-time champs, but October has handed the Dodgers a rested four-headed rotation while the Braves arrive at Dodger Stadium with their pitching staff held together by tape, adrenaline and Chris Sale’s overworked left arm. I think Atlanta steals a game at home, but the Dodgers’ pursuit of a three-peat will survive its first series punch, facing either a rematch with Milwaukee or a heated rivalry with their neighbors to the South.
The Braves can be dangerous, but their pitching (Chris Sale, especially) has already been worn down. If the Dodgers look anything like they did in September, they’ll be on to the NLCS.
The Braves are spent after surviving the Phillies in the wild-card round.
The Dodgers will look to make a statement in their opening round on the road to their three-peat. Even if their bats struggle, I trust their starting rotation.
San Diego Padres first baseman Gavin Sheets (30) and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) high five after defeating the Chicago Cubs during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park in San Diego, Sept. 30, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Rich Barak
The Mizard of Oz will propel Brew Crew on path to NLCS.
Compelling series pitting the hottest team against the best team. I always prefer momentum and the Padres have something special going on.
The Padres have enough star power and late-inning gasoline to make this series a five-game fistfight, but Milwaukee earned home-field advantage for precisely this kind of October moment. If it comes down to one night in Wisconsin with Jacob Misiorowski holding the baseball and American Family Field shaking around him, I’ll take the Brewers to survive.
The Padres’ biggest strength is their bullpen. Never is that more important than in a shorter five-game series. Once they take a lead, they don’t give it up.
Padres are dangerous whenever they’re riding an emotional high.
Jacob Misiorowski will bring the Padres back down to earth after their hot wild-card round. The Brewers find a way to finish the series through their bullpen.
