NL DIVISION SERIES: BRAVES VS DODGERS

October 6, 2026

Tyler Mahle

Truist Park

Atlanta Braves

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. How much did last week's experience, that start, how much will that help you for tomorrow and what have you learned about the postseason?

TYLER MAHLE: I mean, like I've said before, I felt just like all those other starts in September against the Phillies, they were big games. I'm sure it's going to feel very similar to that.

Q. In last start you pitched through that abdominal pull. What's been the process of staying loose in getting ready for tomorrow?

TYLER MAHLE: Just felt that little tweak pregame, but didn't feel at all during the game. Since then, threw a great bullpen the other day, been playing catch, been doing everything, so it's a nonissue.

Q. As a pitcher, what was it like sitting there watching those guys do what they did Sunday night?

TYLER MAHLE: That was awesome. Every guy came in and did their job, and that's all we're called on to do is just come in, do your job and get out and give the team a chance to win, and that's what they did.

Not only -- they dominated. They didn't just give the team a chance to win. They dominated that lineup. They did great. It was very fun to watch.

Q. I know you said they don't feel any different from just how these games feel, but tomorrow, again, you'll either be starting a game where you can clinch or be trying to stay alive. How grateful are you, and how much do you appreciate having those opportunities?

TYLER MAHLE: Yeah, very blessed to have those opportunities, whatever it may be, keep us in it or send us to the next round, whatever it may be. Yeah, super excited and feel blessed to be in this position.

Q. What's the most important thing when facing a lineup with so much talent and depth?

TYLER MAHLE: Just making pitches. That's all you can do out there is make pitches. I'm not trying to trick them. They know. They've seen me. I'm sure they're going to watch film, whatever. So it's making pitches at the right times. And that's all you can hope to do.

Q. Your last two times against these guys, you've had a bit of success. Thinking back to those, what was working for you those times, if you can remember back that far?

TYLER MAHLE: Like I said, just made good pitches at the right times and not trying to do too much. It's a good lineup. If you make a bunch of mistakes, they're going to really hurt you. So you've got to stay in your lane and make pitches.

Q. Twice since your last start you've seen Ray Kerr go do what he does. I'm curious, did you have any familiarity of him upon arriving here? And what's it been like seeing his story and what he's done in this postseason?

TYLER MAHLE: I did not. And every time he's gone out there, he's done great. The last two games, obviously, playoff game starts. But even coming out of the pen in big situations or whatever the job was. Since he came up here with us, since I've been here, he's done great. Super excited for him and a lot of us are.