Winners of eight of their last 11, the Nationals have a chance to secure a sweep over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday afternoon, as they get set to head out on a road trip beginning with Philly this weekend.
The Nats’ starting rotation hasn’t allowed a run in its last 34 1/3 innings and now Doug Fister (2-3, 4.80) will take his turn. The big right-hander made his return from the disabled list in his last outing and gave up five earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Rays. He felt encouraged by how his right forearm felt after rehabbing a strain, but will certainly hope for better results against Atlanta.