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Previewing Braves-Nationals Huge Weekend Series Featuring Dallas Keuchel's Debut

By Parker White

New York Mets v Atlanta Braves
New York Mets v Atlanta Braves / Kevin C. Cox

The Atlanta Braves (44-31) are heading out of town for a long 10-game roadtrip, and their first opponent will be the division-rival Washington Nationals (36-38), who are coming off a three-game sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Washington seems to have some life, making this an incredibly important series against the Braves, who are 7.5 games ahead of them in the division. Their chances of winning the NL East would be all but over if they were swept, but this gives them a chance to gain ground. However, it'll be tough, as the Braves have won eight of their last 10 games.

Let's take a look at the pitching matchups for each game of the series.

June 21: LHP Dallas Keuchel vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg

Dallas Keuchel will be making his Atlanta Braves and 2019 season debut Friday night against the Nationals. He made two minor league starts before being promoted, and down on the farm, he combined for 14 innings while allowing just three runs.

Stephen Strasburg is coming off a rough start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he lasted just five innings and gave up six runs on nine hits. However, in his lone start against the Braves, Strasburg lasted seven innings and gave up two runs while striking out 11.

June 22: RHP Mike Foltynewicz vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez

Even though he walked five batters in his last start, Mike Foltynewicz went six innings and allowed just one run against the Philadelphia Phillies. This was one of his better starts of the year, simply because he worked his way through this Phillies lineup without giving up runs, despite plenty of base runners.

Anibal Sanchez has been nails for this Nationals rotation recently, posting a 1.87 ERA over his last seven starts. That includes a start against his former team, logging six shutout innings with just one hit and seven strikeouts.

June 23: RHP Mike Soroka vs. TBD

The Nationals have yet to name a starter for Sunday's finale, but the Braves will turn to rookie Mike Soroka, who is putting together a Cy Young-caliber season. Over his last seven starts, Soroka is 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA. This will be the first time Soroka will make a start against Washington in his short career, and they could be in for a long day based off what he's done this season.