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Marlins-Braves Preview

Sep 1, 2015 - 4:52 AM Since they've rarely been out of contention, the free-falling Atlanta Braves have seldom had to undergo a rebuilding effort over the past two and a half decades.

Looking toward the future late in a lost season, the Braves are expected to bring up Cuban sensation Hector Olivera on Tuesday night against the visiting Miami Marlins.

The 30-year-old Olivera was viewed as the prized acquisition for Atlanta when it traded top prospect Jose Peraza and Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 30.

The third baseman was one of this year's top international free agents before he signed a six-year, $62.5 million deal with the Dodgers. He battled through a hamstring injury earlier in the season before hitting .231 in 42 plate appearances during a rehab stint at Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves (54-77) have begun planning ahead while trying to avoid losing seven straight at home for the first time since June 2006. Atlanta is headed toward its first back-to-back losing seasons since 1989-90 after its first 20-loss month since August 2008.

The club also traded outfielder Jonny Gomes to the AL Central-leading Kansas City Royals on Monday in exchange for cash and Class A shortstop Luis Valenzuela.

"It was obviously tough news regarding one of the best guys in the clubhouse," Monday's starter, Shelby Miller, told MLB's official website.

Miller didn't receive any run support for the sixth time in nine home starts and his franchise single-season record winless streak reached 19 in a 4-0 defeat.

The Braves, who had just three hits, have scored 2.8 runs per game during a 1-13 stretch. Michael Bourn (5 for 45), Jace Peterson (15 for 79) and A.J. Pierzynski (10 for 46) are among those mired in a slump.

Rookie Justin Nicolino (2-2, 3.65 ERA) has been a bright spot for the Marlins, allowing two runs while going at least six innings in each of his last three outings. He gave up two runs over six on Thursday, but also walked a season-high four in a 2-1 home loss to Pittsburgh.

"The ability to go and navigate through the sixth and only allow two runs and give us opportunities was great," manager Dan Jennings said.

Atlanta rookie Manny Banuelos (1-2, 2.49) is hoping for better run support as he makes his sixth career start but first since missing five weeks with inflammation in his pitching elbow. Banuelos will likely be monitored closely after working just two innings in last Thursday's rehab start.

The left-hander has gone 0-1 with an 0.87 ERA in two starts at Turner Field.

He'll get his first look at a Miami team that has finished with four runs and 10 hits in each of its past two games after batting .206 with 18 runs in its previous nine. The Marlins (53-79) seek their first back-to-back wins since a three-game run Aug. 16-18.

After homering in his previous two games, Justin Bour had three hits in the opener. Martin Prado is batting .355 with two homers in his last eight after going 2 for 4 with a double.

Atlanta's Andrelton Simmons is day to day after sitting Monday due to right ankle inflammation.