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Braves-Diamondbacks Preview

Jun 9, 2010 - 6:23 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Atlanta (34-25) at Arizona (23-36), 9:40 p.m. EDT

Martin Prado's day off was certainly merited, just as a win for Kenshin Kawakami would be.

Prado is expected back in the Atlanta Braves' lineup, which will try to support Kawakami as he seeks his first win of the season in a matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.

Even without Prado, NL East-leading Atlanta (34-25) managed 14 hits Tuesday in a 7-5 win over Arizona (23-36) in the second game of this four-game series in Phoenix.

Prado had been playing despite a sore left hand over the past few weeks. He was finally given a break, getting scratched from the starting lineup for the second time this season.

"That's why he is so well-liked around the league," manager Bobby Cox told the Braves' official website. "He's tough. I'll sit him down for just one game, that's all."

The second baseman leads the NL with a .325 average and has remained productive despite the injury, batting .386 with seven RBIs during a current 12-game hitting streak.

Braves veteran Chipper Jones also was back in the lineup, getting enough relief from a cortisone shot in his right ring finger to play for the first time in six games. The six-time All-Star went 1 for 6 and is hitting .237 this season.

Kawakami (0-8, 4.91 ERA) can use all the help he can get from Atlanta's lineup as he makes his 12th start. He lost yet another game Friday night, giving up five runs and nine hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 5-4 loss to Los Angeles.

The right-hander, though, posted a 2.41 ERA over his previous three outings. He has pitched well enough at times this season to deserve a much better record, but he's getting an average of 3.0 runs to work with - fourth-fewest in the NL.

"He's given us a chance to win, especially in his last four outings," catcher David Ross said.

One of his worst outings of the season, though, came against Arizona on May 14. Kawakami allowed four runs and needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1-3 innings, but the Braves scored twice in the ninth to win 6-5.

Ian Kennedy surrendered three runs in 6 1-3 innings in that game - his only career start versus the Braves - and will oppose Kawakami again Wednesday.

Kennedy (3-3, 3.46) didn't receive a decision Friday night after giving up six runs - three earned - and striking out eight in six innings of a 7-6 win over Colorado. The right-hander was making his fifth start at home, where he is 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA.

Arizona's pitching struggled in this series' latest game after posting a 2.39 ERA in its previous seven contests. The Diamondbacks had won three of four following a 10-game losing streak.

Arizona has lost three of five against Atlanta this season despite averaging 5.8 runs.

Kelly Johnson is coming off a strong performance for the Diamondbacks, going 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. Johnson is batting .381 with two homers and five RBIs in five games versus the Braves.