The Washington Nationals (29-12) and Atlanta Braves (28-24) were supposed to begin a three game divisional matchup on Friday evening at Nats Park, but heavy rains in the Washington, D.C.-area washed that plan away. Now the two teams will play a rain-shortened two-game series beginning Saturday afternoon, with Stephen Strasburg taking the mound for Washington.
Strasburg is 5-1 with a 2.64 ERA so far this season, but is just 1-2 with a 5.28 ERA in three career starts against Atlanta. That 5.28 ERA is the highest against any opponent the young right hander has faced more than once in his budding career.
Brandon Beachy (5-3, 1.77) will take the bump for the Braves. Beachy's 1.77 ERA is the best in the big leagues.
Michael Morse is expected to make his season debut on Saturday for the Nationals. Last season, Morse led the team with 31 home runs and 95 runs batted in, but has been sidelined to start the 2012 campaign due to a strained lat suffered in spring training.
For more Nationals coverage and conversation, visit Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Nats blog. For the Braves perspective, check out Talking Chop. For news and updates from the Nationals series against Atlanta, stay tuned to this StoryStream from SB Nation DC. Still not enough baseball for you? Head on over to SB Nation's MLB Hub Page, Baseball Nation, for all the latest news from all 30 MLB teams.