News
Lowe, Prado look to lead Braves
Atlanta (84-70) at Washington (52-102), 1:35 p.m. ET
By Matt Palmer / Special to MLB.com
09/26/09 4:12 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- When Braves manager Bobby Cox was informed before Saturday's game that Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was scratched from the lineup, he expressed surprise. The Nationals wanted to rest the All-Star, though Zimmerman made a brief appearance Saturday during the eighth inning, pinch-hitting for pitcher Zack Segovia. He flew out to right. Zimmerman has had another spectacular season in his young career, batting .289 with 104 runs, 100 RBIs and 31 home runs. Defensively, he has made 15 errors. "He's like a shortstop out there," Cox said of Zimmerman's range. "He's a great player. I love watching him. He does everything -- 100 RBIs, 100 runs, catches everything on a rope." Cox said comparisons to Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. are apt for Zimmerman, who will turn 25 on Monday. "There are a lot of similarities," the skipper said. "Both of them have great hands. Both of them are hitters. You could sure make that case. Both love to play." Zimmerman was hitless in the first game of the series Friday at Nationals Park. If he does return to the starting lineup Sunday, he'll face Atlanta starter Derek Lowe. Lowe last pitched against the Nationals on Aug. 12, going seven innings. He gave up two runs and two hits while striking out five batters and walking four. Lowe faced Washington on April 20 as well, and took a 3-2 loss after surrendering three runs on seven hits. The veteran has not lost a decision since Sept. 3, when the Reds were able to get three runs and seven hits against the right-hander. The veteran should receive considerable support from infielder Martin Prado, who has been more than dependable, despite off-and-on battles with headaches. Entering Sunday's game, Prado had hit safely in 65 of 89 games since June 2 with 25 doubles, nine home runs and 42 RBIs. He also had 10 hits in his previous 22 at-bats and has started 27 of the Braves' past 29 games. Told that Prado was on a hot streak, Cox replied: "He was always hot to me." Prado has split time between first, second and third base through most of the season. Prado played his 40th game of the season at second on Saturday. He has played 55 games at third in 2009. "He's had a spectacular season, defensively as well," Cox said. "He's really good at third and good at second." Pitching matchupATL: RHP Derek Lowe (15-9, 4.55 ERA)
Lowe has halted some of his frustrations while winning three of his past four decisions. The veteran right-hander doesn't seem too concerned about the scratch he developed on his right thumb while limiting the Mets to three runs in five innings on Monday night. He has surrendered 12 homers on the season and four of those have been during the course of his past five starts. WSH: RHP Livan Hernandez (8-12, 5.53 ERA)
Hernandez is 1-4 with a 5.75 ERA in six starts since the Nationals signed him on Aug. 25, six days after he was released by the Mets. He allowed eight runs on eight hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings last time out, a 14-2 blowout against the Dodgers. He beat the Braves on May 5, holding Atlanta to one run in 6 1/3 innings in a 4-3 Mets victory. Tidbits
The Braves have a winning record against all of the National League division leaders, boasting four wins each over the Cardinals and Dodgers. The NL East-leading Phillies are 8-10 against the Braves this season. ... Atlanta entered Saturday with 93 quality starts, the most of any Major League team. The team had 75 a year ago. ... The Braves have posted a winning record during 17 of Cox's 19 seasons. Cox announced last week that he would step down after the 2010 season. Tickets
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On the Internet
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• Official game notes On television
• FSS On radio
• 640 WGST, Project 9-6-1 , Viva 105.7 (Español) Up next
• Monday: Braves (Jair Jurrjens, 13-10, 2.70) vs. Marlins (Anibal Sanchez, 3-7, 4.01), 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday: Braves (Tim Hudson, 2-1, 3.56) vs. Marlins (Rick VandenHurk, 2-2, 4.44), 7 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Braves (Javier Vazquez, 15-9, 2.83) vs. Marlins (Ricky Nolasco, 12-9, 5.28), 7 p.m. ET
Matt Palmer is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
