Looming Braves Threat Is Diamondbacks' Latest Playoff Obstacle

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

Aug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Aug 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Aug 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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.

Add us as a preferred source on Google