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Nationals-Braves Preview

Aug 19, 2010 - 3:57 AM By ALAN FERGUSON STATS Writer

Washington (51-68) at Atlanta (70-49), 1:05 p.m. EDT

Derrek Lee is not expected to play for the Atlanta Braves until the club visits Chicago this weekend. They'll try to have their new acquisition join a team on a five-game winning streak when they go for a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

In its push for the NL East title, Atlanta (71-49) picked up Lee and cash considerations from the Cubs for three pitching prospects Wednesday.

Knee injuries to third baseman Chipper Jones and first baseman Troy Glaus compelled the Braves to make the deal. Jones is done for the year, while Glaus went on the 15-day disabled list before Wednesday night's 3-2 win over the Nationals (51-69).

"With the loss of Chipper, we felt we really need to improve the middle of our lineup," general manager Frank Wren told the team's website. "Derrek Lee was the best guy out there that was available."

Resting due to a bulging disc in his lower back, Lee will remain in Chicago until the Braves arrive at Wrigley Field on Friday for the opener of a six-game trip. Lee rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Angels last month, but agreed to be dealt to a team that has much better playoff prospects.

"The main thing is we've got six weeks to go and Atlanta's in first place," Lee said. "They're playing great baseball. It just felt right. A chance to go to the postseason, it's hard to pass up."

The first-place Braves have a 2 1/2-game edge over surging Philadelphia, staying ahead of the Phillies by winning 11 of 14. Atlanta's latest victory came on Jason Heyward's two-out single in the ninth inning.

Martin Prado had two hits and is 5 for 8 since returning from the DL on Tuesday.

The victory Wednesday was the Braves' 21st on their final swing, the most in baseball. Atlanta improved to a major league-best 44-16 at home.

Derek Lowe (11-10, 4.29 ERA) will try to help his team to its first five-game win streak since June 16-20 while adding to his string of strong outings this month. The right-hander has posted a 2.08 ERA in three starts in August.

Lowe was outstanding again Saturday but didn't get much support, suffering a 2-1 loss to Los Angeles after giving up one run over six innings.

Lowe struggled in two outings versus the Nationals this season, losing both with a 6.75 ERA, and has dropped three straight starts to Washington.

He'll match up with John Lannan (4-5, 5.23), who is looking to win three consecutive starts for the first time.

The left-hander has a 3.00 ERA in three games since being recalled from a six-week stint at Double-A Harrisburg on Aug. 1. He allowed two runs over seven innings of a 4-2 win over Arizona on Friday.

"It was definitely necessary for me to go down there and work on stuff," Lannan said.

Lannan lost in his last two matchups with the Braves and is 3-4 with a 3.44 ERA in eight career starts against them.