The Braves’ lead in the National League East has vacillated between four and 7 ½ games over the past few weeks, and its tendency to find itself in the middle will be put to the test over the next three games. With the lead currently at 5 ½ games, both the Braves and the Nationals are in a position to establish their respective directions for the rest of the season.
This is a series that has far-reaching implications, not just on the NL East race, but also on the future of both teams’ prospects. The Braves need pitching - whether it be another rotation stalwart or some help in the bullpen - and the Nationals could also use some late inning help. The outcome of this series will magnify each need, but it comes with the advantage of still having the time to make corrections prior to the trade deadline, which comes shortly after the conclusion of Wednesday afternoon’s game.
Both teams figure to make some form of upgrade, but this series will help determine how big of a splash is needed.
First things first, though, as Dallas Keuchel will start for Atlanta tonight against Patrick Corbin.
Keuchel’s first start as a Brave came against the Nationals on June 21, and he allowed three runs over five innings. He has settled in since, and has posted a 2-2 record with a 3.00 ERA | 4.05 FIP in five July starts. His most recent start, last Tuesday against the Royals, saw him strike out 12 batters - tied for second highest in his career.
This will be Corbin’s second start against the Braves in ten days, with the last coming on July 19. Corbin pitched admirably in that start, only allowing two runs over five innings while striking out five. He did not factor into the decision, however, as the Nats’ bullpen imploded and allowed the Braves to walk it off at home.
On the season, Corbin is 8-5 with a 3.25 ERA | 3.27 FIP, and is striking out nearly 10.5 batters per nine innings. He has been dominant at Nationals Park this year, so the Braves could have their hands full.
One story to keep a close eye on will be the status of Ronald Acuña, Jr., who left Sunday’s game early with neck stiffness. Though he stated after the game he plans to be in the lineup tonight, the Braves could opt to play it safe and keep him on the bench for the night.
As noted above, this series is absolutely crucial, and happens to be conveniently situated on the calendar. If the Braves feel like Adam Duvall’s offense is not enough to buoy them through the rest of the season, or if the bullpen proves unsavory again, or if Kevin Gausman’s performance yesterday reminds the front office they could use a starting pitching upgrade, there is still time to make any - or all - of those moves.
A series victory would push the Braves’ lead to 6 ½ games, and a sweep would find them sitting pretty at 8 ½ games up. On the flip side, the lead could be as small as 2 ½ if the Nats sweep, so a strong showing is needed.
Washington still leads the season series 5-4, but Atlanta could even that up tonight.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, July 29, 7:05 p.m. ET
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
TV: ESPN, Fox Sports Southeast
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, Rock 100.5, Braves Radio Network
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