Looming Braves Threat Is Diamondbacks' Latest Playoff Obstacle

Aug 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario (not pictured) and races to first base for the force out during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Looming Braves Threat Is Diamondbacks' Latest Playoff Obstacle

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI
By Alex D'Agostino | Last updated Aug 13, 2026 10:00 AM ET

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the midst of a playoff chase, and after an ugly series loss to the Colorado Rockies, their opposition will only get tougher.

The Diamondbacks will depart Arizona for a road trip this week, beginning with a three-game set against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. The Braves, as always, are a strong club.

Though the D-backs are not likely to be locked in a competition with Atlanta in terms of the Wild Card, but every win is one step closer to cementing a Postseason berth, and the Diamondbacks will have a tough task in all three of these upcoming games.

Diamondbacks-Braves pitching matchups look tough

Friday, August 14: RHP Brandon Pfaadt vs LHP Chris Sale

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Righty Brandon Pfaadt has been exceptional ever since heading down to Triple-A Reno for a brief tune-up. He's got a 3.36 ERA this year, and has looked sharp in just about every game he's started, though he's had particular success against some of the tougher teams on his schedule.

Pfaadt has not allowed an earned run since the first inning of July 23's matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. He has a career 5.68 ERA in five starts against Atlanta.

The Braves will send out their ace, as veteran left Chris Sale continues to baffle opposing hitters. He's got a 2.20 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 123.1 innings this year. Sale has a career 2.33 ERA against Arizona. Good luck.

Saturday, August 15: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs RHP Grant Holmes

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Eduardo Rodriguez has been the D-backs' most valuable arm this season, and that continued with one of his most impressive starts of the year against the Dodgers his last time out. Rodriguez has a 2.70 ERA and an 11-4 record in 24 starts.

The threat of regression has not hit the left-hander just yet. Even when he's had poorer outings, he's generally rebounded. Arizona would be in a much worse place without Rodriguez's efforts.

Grant Holmes has a solid 3.47 ERA, but his peripherals suggest he's been getting some positive bounces. He blanked the D-backs for six innings back on April 3 and has a career 4.19 ERA against Arizona.

Sunday, August 16: RHP Michael Soroka vs RHP Bryce Elder

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Michael Soroka will make his second start since coming off the IL, and he'll face the team he made an All-Star appearance for as a rookie back in 2019. Soroka has been excellent for Arizona this year when healthy, pitching to a 2.92 ERA.

Soroka only went 4.1 (scoreless) innings in his return debut, but should have a little more length on Sunday. He's allowed three runs in nine career innings against Atlanta.

Bryce Elder is having a solid, albeit not eye-popping season. He's got a 4.03 ERA and was pitching quite well in July, but fell victim to a seven-run blowup start his last time out against the Mets. The Diamondbacks got just two unearned runs off Elder in seven innings back in April.

This article first appeared on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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