What happened: Walt Weiss will hold Chris Sale for a Game 3 start rather than bring him back for Game 2 and a potential Game 5. Sale worked in relief Thursday, and the club opted for extra rest. Ray Kerr draws the Game 2 start in his place.

Why it matters: Saving a full-strength ace preserves two potential starts instead of risking two compromised ones in a short series. The alignment keeps Atlanta's rotation at full strength through the middle and potential deciding games of the NLDS.

What to watch: Watch Sale's workload and effectiveness on full rest in Game 3. Early-series results will determine whether a Game 5 start comes into play.