The Los Angeles Dodgers will start their quest for a third-straight title as they host the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their NLDS series on Saturday.
I'm expecting Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Tarik Skubal to show up big in Game 1, and also like Matt Olson to do damage in my Braves vs. Dodgers props.
Let's take a look at my free MLB picks and Braves vs. Dodgers predictions for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Best Braves vs Dodgers props
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| Pick | Probability |
|---|---|
 Shohei Ohtani 2+ total bases |
51% |
| Tarik Skubal 7+ strikeouts |
56% |
 Matt Olson 2+ hits + runs + RBIs |
47% |
Prop pick #1: Shohei Ohtani 2+ total bases
While Shohei Ohtani's base rate stats (.889 OPS) were down as a hitter this year, and injuries prevented him from putting up otherworldly numbers at the plate, he's still been one of the best hitters in the majors when healthy. Ohtani ranks in the 99th percentile in barrel percentage (16.4%) and xSLG (.552), and is in the 9th percentile in xwOBA (.397).
The Atlanta Braves may try to stymie Ohtani early with a lefthanded opener in Game 1, but his platoon splits were almost non-existent in 2026, as his OPS was only 12 points higher against righties this season.
I'm backing Ohtani to pick up at least two total bases against a tired Braves staff at up to 55%.
Prop pick #2: Tarik Skubal 7+ strikeouts
When the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, they wanted him as a postseason anchor. Skubal has been just as brilliant in Los Angeles as he was with the Detroit Tigers, posting a 2.61 ERA in 10 starts since the trade.
Skubal strikes out 30% of the batters he faces, an elite rate that should play well against an Atlanta team that had the second-highest chase rate in the majors (33.7%). The Braves also struggle to get around on Skubal's pitch arsenal, ranking 25th in air pull rate against the 4-seam/changeup/slider mix from lefties that he relies on.
I'm backing Skubal to hit his strikeout total of 7+ at 60% or lower.
Prop pick #3: Matt Olson 2+ hits + runs + RBIs
The Braves will be looking for bats that can do damage against a quality southpaw like Skubal, and Matt Olson is the most likely candidate to have a solid day in Game 1.
Olson put up an .824 OPS and 16 homers in 257 at bats against left-handed pitching this season, and has a .764 OPS against Skubal in 11 plate appearances — a small sample, but a sign that he can hit the Dodgers ace.
Olsen came up big in Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies, homering and scoring two runs. He hit this 2+ hits/runs/RBIs total in each of the final two games of that series, and I think he's an excellent bet to do so again on Saturday at up to 50%.
- Prop picks: 0-3, -3.00 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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