Atlanta Braves: Differences between the 2020 and 2021 NLCS

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Five of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 16, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Five of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 16, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Atlanta Braves
Outfielder Joc Pederson of the Atlanta Braves (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Outfield

Braves: Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall, Joc Pederson

Dodgers: Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor, AJ Pollock

The outfield is almost brand-new for the Braves from last season, while the Dodgers looks the same for the most-part.

Atlanta is obviously without superstar Ronald Acuna Jr who is out with an injury, as well as possibly Jorge Soler. All three of the Braves starting outfielders were acquired at the deadline with Duvall returning after exiting Game 1 with an injury last season.

Rosario is new to the Braves/Dodgers matchup, while Pederson, a former Dodger who was with Los Angeles is this matchup a year ago, could play a pivotal role. Drawing 18 at-bats in this series a year ago, Pederson slashed .389/.421/.556, and has already provided some massive moments for the Braves this October.

The Dodgers return the trio of Betts, Taylor, and Pollock, each of whom saw time in this series a year ago. All three however struggled offensively with each posting an OPS below-.700, but all impacted the series defensively, especially Betts with some big plays.

Bench

Braves: Guillermo Heredia, Ehire Adrianza, Orlando Arcia, William Contreras, Cristian Pache, Terrance Gore

Dodgers: Gavin Lux, Matt Beaty, Albert Pujols, Steven Souza Jr, Austin Barnes, Billy McKinney, Luke Raley

Each team has many versatile options available on the bench, many of which have previous postseason success. Pache appeared in all seven games of this matchup a year ago, while others such as Lux, Beaty, and Heredia will all likely play key roles.

Schedule