Nationals at Pirates
The Washington Nationals will receive a boost to their lineup when they open a three-game series on Tuesday against the host Pittsburgh Pirates. Ryan Zimmerman is expected to return to the diamond after being sidelined for 13 games with right shoulder inflammation.
Zimmerman's return coincides with the loss of stud outfielder Jayson Werth, who is expected to be on the shelf for as many as 12 weeks with a broken left wrist. Werth suffered the injury while attempting to make a catch against his former team - the Philadelphia Phillies - on Sunday night.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (1-1, 3.69 ERA) vs. Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (1-2, 8.04 ERA)
Jackson has failed to record a decision in his last two outings, but he has fared well versus the Pirates. The 28-year-old hurler has posted a 4-0 career mark against Pittsburgh. Jackson can sure use the lift after permitting four runs on eight hits in six innings against Arizona on Wednesday.
Burnett has also routinely gotten the better of Tuesday's opponent, posting a 7-3 career mark with a 1.18 WHIP. The 35-year-old was brutalized for 12 runs on as many hits in 2 2/3 innings against St. Louis on Wednesday. The dismal outing catapulted his season ERA from 1.38 to a gaudy 8.04.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington's Adam LaRoche is also expected to return to face his former team. LaRoche has been sidelined for four games with a bruised right oblique.
2. Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez has seven of his team's 18 homers this season. Alvarez went 1-for-7 as Pittsburgh dropped two of three versus Cincinnati this weekend. He is just 1-for-3 in his career against Jackson.
3. Rookie Bryce Harper has turned it on of late, going 2-for-3 with a double while successfully stealing home in Sunday's loss to the Phillies. Harper also got under the skin of left-hander Cole Hamels, who admitted that he purposely threw at the 19-year-old. Hamels was suspended five games for his actions.