Kevin Gausman likely to start Sunday

Kevin Gausman’s opportunity to regain a role on the first-place Braves begins Sunday at SunTrust Park.

Gausman is set to start the finale of a four-games series against the Nationals, which would be his first outing since June 10. The right-hander was placed on the injured list the following day with plantar fasciitis on his right foot.

“He threw a side session (Thursday) and had a really good (rehab) start last time,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Talking to him, he feels really good where he’s at right now.”

The start Snitker referenced was Gausman’s best: He struck out 10 over six innings in his third rehab start, this one in Triple-A. Now that he’s healthy, the focus can shift back to Gausman’s performance.

After posting a sub-3.00 ERA in 10 starts for the Braves following last year’s trade deadline, the wheels came off for Gausman in 2019. He owned a 6.21 ERA in 13 starts, likely pitching his way out of the rotation before the injury.

In his final pre-injury outing, the 28-year-old lasted only 2-1/3 innings against the Pirates, allowing four runs. Gausman hopes he’ll be helped by an expanded repertoire that includes an improved slider and cutter to complement his fastball and splitter.

It remains to be seen how Gausman will fit in moving forward, but the Braves have an abundance of available pitchers and the luxury of spacing out starts to give their regular rotation members extra rest. They’ve also shown a willingness to bump starters to the bullpen.

“Hopefully he can get back here and be a factor in what we’re trying to do,” Snitker said.