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Nationals-Brewers Preview

Jul 25, 2010 - 5:38 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Washington (42-55) at Milwaukee (45-53), 2:10 p.m. EDT

Jim Edmonds wants to end his 17-year career on his terms, and he won't let injuries stop him.

The 40-year-old center fielder will try to shake off the effects of a tight right Achilles' tendon and help the Milwaukee Brewers extend their home winning streak to six against the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Edmonds is prepared to end his career at the conclusion of this season. He was a surprise spring addition by the Brewers (46-53), who signed him as a non-roster player after he didn't play in 2009.

Edmonds is hitting .287 - his highest average since he batted .301 with St. Louis in 2004.

The four-time All-Star, who started his career with the California Angels in 1993, has collected four hits with two homers and four RBIs to lead Milwaukee to wins in the first two contests of this three-game set.

He's 8 for 14 with three homers and seven of his 19 RBIs over the last four games.

An Achilles' tendon injury forced Edmonds out in the sixth inning Saturday, but he had already done damage with a solo homer before Ryan Braun's walkoff single clinched a 4-3 win over Washington (42-56).

"He's been incredible for a while now," Braun said. "It's turn back the clock night for Edmonds. It's really fun to watch."

Edmonds, who has seen his career plagued by various injuries, landed on the disabled list once earlier this year. He's determined to avoid another stint on the DL, as he has helped put the Brewers in position for their first six-game winning streak at Miller Park since May 30-June 4, 2008.

"I'm going to play until I explode," Edmonds said. "I figure this is probably going to be the last nine weeks I get to play, and I'm definitely not going to spend that on the DL if I don't have to. It's getting pretty close, but if I can still go out there and play, I'm going to keep going out there and playing."

All-Star outfielder Corey Hart is expected to miss a second consecutive game after hurting his right wrist while attempting to catch a foul ball during Friday's 7-5 win. Tests showed no fracture, but there's still no timetable for his return.

Joe Inglett will likely replace Hart again after going 2 for 4 with a triple Saturday.

Milwaukee starter Dave Bush (4-8, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound looking to rebound from one of his worst performances of the season.

The right-hander lost his second consecutive start Tuesday, getting tagged for 10 runs - five earned - and nine hits in four innings of an 11-9 defeat at Pittsburgh.

Bush has defeated the Nationals three straight times, posting a 2.25 ERA in those outings.

Washington, which is seeking to conclude its 10-game road trip with a fourth win, will send Ross Detwiler to the mound for his season debut.

The left-hander and 2007 first-round draft pick replaces rookie Luis Atilano in the rotation after an elbow injury landed Atilano on the disabled list Friday.

Detwiler went 2-2 with a 2.27 ERA in eight starts in the minors after undergoing right hip surgery in February. He was 1-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 15 games - 14 starts - for Washington in 2009.