The Dodgers and Braves will kick off the National League division playoffs this Thursday, in Atlanta. It’s the Dodgers’ first playoff appearance in four years, and they’ll be making it without center fielder Matt Kemp who’s out for the entire postseason with an injured left ankle.

This is bad timing for the Dodgers, as right fielder Andre Ethier might also be on the disabled list. If Kemp and Ethier are both out, utility man Skip Schumaker will likely have more time on the field. The Dodgers are favored to win their division series, which has apparently left the Braves feeling a bit miffed.

Braves backup catcher Gerald Laird told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “We get no love from anyone.” But if the Dodgers are without their two main center fielders, will they still be good enough to win? The series returns home to Los Angeles on Sunday.

Guest:

Bill Shaikin, National Baseball Writer, Los Angeles Times