The Atlanta Braves welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Truist Park on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for a 7:15 PM ET first pitch. Chris Sale gets the ball for Atlanta against left-hander Andrew Abbott in what shapes up as a genuine pitching duel to close out the regular season. With September winding down and every game carrying weight in the standings, this one matters for both clubs. Catch the action on BravesVision or locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Starting Pitchers: Chris Sale vs. Andrew Abbott

Sale is Atlanta's assignment on the hill, and when the Braves hand him the ball in a meaningful September spot, they're leaning on experience. The veteran left-hander has been a fixture in this rotation and carries the kind of presence that sets a tone from the first inning. His ability to miss bats and work deep into games is what Atlanta needs in a matchup like this.

Abbott counters for Cincinnati. The young left-hander has carved out a legitimate role in the Reds rotation and brings a live arm that can keep opposing lineups off-balance. He's not someone Atlanta's lineup can afford to sleep on, particularly early in the game when his stuff tends to be sharpest.

Keys to Watch for the Atlanta Braves

• Sale's command: When Sale is locating his pitches and working both sides of the plate, he's a completely different animal. Watch how he attacks Cincinnati's lineup early — that first trip through the order will tell you everything about how his night is going.
• Braves offense vs. a left-hander: Abbott is a southpaw, which means Atlanta's lineup construction and approach at the plate against left-handed pitching will be worth monitoring. The Braves will need to work counts and stay disciplined rather than chasing early.
• Bullpen depth: Late September means rosters are expanded and options are plentiful. How Braves manager Brian Snitker deploys his bullpen behind Sale — and at what point he pulls the trigger — could decide the outcome if this game stays close into the sixth and seventh innings.
• Cincinnati's lineup discipline: The Reds are not a club to underestimate. They can put together quality at-bats and make a pitcher work. If Sale's pitch count climbs early, Atlanta's night gets complicated in a hurry.

Prediction

Truist Park in late September has its own kind of energy, and the Braves are at home with one of their more experienced arms taking the mound. Sale's edge in big-game experience gives Atlanta an advantage in this one, and the home crowd at Truist Park should be engaged on a Wednesday night with the season in its final stretch. Expect a tightly contested game, but give the edge to Atlanta. Braves 4, Reds 2.