LOS ANGELES — By losing Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday night, the Dodgers and Braves are now tied at one game apiece in the series, and home-field advantage wrests with Atlanta with the next two games at Truist Park. The Dodgers need to win at least once in Atlanta to ensure they will play again at Dodger Stadium this season.
Let’s take a look at the possibilities for the next time the Dodgers will play at Chavez Ravine.
Friday, October 9, NLDS Game 5 vs. Braves
This seems like the most likely scenario. If the Dodgers
and Braves split the two games in Atlanta, the Division Series will be decided on Friday, October 9 in Los Angeles with a winner-take-all Game 5.
Sunday, October 11, NLCS Game 1 vs. Padres
This is the least likely of the scenarios, mostly because too many things need to happen for this to come true. First, the Dodgers would need to win the NLDS over the Braves before coming home, by beating them twice in Atlanta. And it would require the Padres to overcome their 2-0 hole to the Brewers in the other NLDS, winning the next three games.
Wednesday, October 14, NLCS Game 3 vs. Brewers
The Brewers have three chances to win the one game they need to advance to a second straight NLCS, and with the best record in baseball at 103-59, the Brewers would start any series at home in Milwaukee. This scenario would also require the Dodgers to win two in a row in Atlanta, avoiding the home Game 5 of the NLDS.
Thursday, March 26, 2027 vs. Braves (or later?)
If the Dodgers lose the next two games in Atlanta, their 2026 season is over, and it’ll be time to look ahead to 2027. Opening day is scheduled for next March 26 at Dodger Stadium, but there will be a lockout once the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, followed by a long battle between the owners and players over a new CBA. Whether next season starts on time is yet another variable to consider.
