Mike Foltynewicz to take the ball for Braves against Hyun Jin Ryu on Thursday

Mike Foltynewicz will take the ball for the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Hyun-Jin Ryu and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

Foltynewicz received his assignment as the Braves hit California in anticipation of the series opener at Dodger Stadium.

"We've wanted Folty to be The Guy for a couple years, and right now, I think he's establishing himself as our legit first guy," Braves manager Brian Snitker said Tuesday. "It wasn't a hard decision at all."

In 2018, Foltynewicz became the first pitcher in Braves history to hold opponents under a .200 batting average for the season while striking out 200 batters. He went 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA in 31 starts.

The Braves have not named a Game 2 starter, while the Dodgers have tabbed ace Clayton Kershaw for the contest.

The decision to start Ryu in the opener and Kershaw second allows both pitchers an extra day of rest after Ryu last pitched Friday and Kershaw on Saturday. Scheduled off days after Games 2 and 4 mean Kershaw could still start Game 5 on normal rest if needed.

Ryu was 7-3 with a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts this season, missing time from May to August with a left groin strain. He had a 1.50 ERA in five September starts.

The Dodgers could have rookie right-hander Walker Buehler, who won the National League West tiebreaker game against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, start Game 3.

Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is expected to miss the series, Snitker announced Tuesday. Swanson has ligament damage in his left hand.

Charlie Culberson will play shortstop against his former team in Swanson's absence.