Series preview: Braves at Nationals

TV: SPSO

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Matt Wisler (5-5, 5.22 ERA) vs. RH Jordan Zimmermann (11-8, 7.04)

Comment: Wisler makes his third start against the Nationals in only his 14th major league start. He gave up six runs (four earned) in four innings of a 7-0 loss in Washington on June 25 in the first road start of his major league career, then then pitched 5 1/3 shutout innings against them two starts later in Atlanta. Zimmermann has won his past three starts, even though he allowed 10 runs and five homers combined in two of them. He put up the numbers to match the result his most-recent appearance, in a 5-1 win over the Marlins, allowing one run in seven innings.

Friday

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: FSSO

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Julio Teheran (9-7, 4.62) vs. RH Stephen Strasburg (8-6, 4.35)

Comment: Teheran interrupted a perfectly good month of August by giving up eight earned runs in 4 1/3 innings his most-recent start, against the Yankees, including three home runs, in a 20-6 loss. This is after he was 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his first five starts of the month. Strasburg's start Friday night is dependent on how his back felt after throwing a side session Wednesday in St. Louis. He had to leave his previous start against Miami after four innings with upper-back soreness. If he can't go, the Nationals likely will go with Tanner Roark to start.

Saturday

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: FSSO

Probable starting pitchers: RH Shelby Miller (5-12, 2.56) vs. LH Gio Gonzalez (9-7, 4.13 ERA)

Comment: Miller's winless streak is now 19 starts long, for those who might have lost count. The Braves gave him zero runs of support in a 4-0 loss to the Marlins on Monday for the 11th time this season, so he took the loss despite giving up one run in seven innings. The Nationals have lost Gonzalez's past four starts, though he had a quality start his most recent time out against the Cardinals (three runs in six innings). Before that, Gonzalez had given up 14 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings (10.22 ERA) over three consecutive losses.

Sunday

Time: 1:35 p.m.

TV: FSSO

Probable starting pitchers: LH Manny Banuelos (1-3, 3.33) vs. RH Joe Ross (5-5, 3.50 ERA)

Comment: Banuelos is still building back up from a stint on the disabled list with a bone chip in his elbow. He was 2 2/3 innings and 52 pitches in his return to the major leagues Tuesday against the Marlins, giving up three runs. After going 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA in his first two major league starts in early July, Banuelos is 0-3 with a 5.84 ERA in his past three. The rookie Ross walked a season-high six in his most-recent outing, against the Cardinals, when he struggled with his grip. He gave up three runs, lasting only 2 2/3 innings. This is the Braves' first look at him.

— CARROLL ROGERS WALTON