Baker confirms Strasburg will start Wednesday night

Nationals manager Dusty Baker made it official after Tuesday's 9-7 win over Atlanta: Right-hander Stephen Strasburg will return from the disabled list to start Wednesday's final game of the series against the Braves.

Strasburg has not pitched since Aug. 17 in Denver, when he allowed nine runs on nine hits in 1 2/3 innings. Strasburg has been on the disabled list since Aug. 21 with right elbow soreness.

But Baker said before Tuesday night's game that Strasburg has looked good in his rehabilitation. Strasburg has thrown five times in bullpen sessions over the past week and a half.

"He seemed like he's coming out of his sessions good," Baker reported.

But having Strasburg back for the rest of September and October will be good for the Nationals as they try to clinch the National League East title. And getting him back will also restore the one-two punch of Max Scherzer and Strasburg that the Nats would like to send out in a playoff series scenario.

"It's always good to have (Strasburg) pitch," said first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. "Hopefully, he can get back in there tomorrow and get his feet wet again. Hopefully, he can build towards the end of the month. Obviously, we're a better team when he pitches every fifth day."

Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who crushed his first career grand slam Tuesday, said the Nats are a different team when Strasburg pitches.

"It's amazing," Rendon said. "I mean, he's Stephen Strasburg. Pretty much enough said right there. He's gonna be a great addition."

Strasburg is 8-8 with a 3.85 ERA in 22 career starts against the Braves. He has gone 7-3 with a 4.01 ERA in 13 starts at home this season, but has allowed 12 homers at home and only three on the road in 2016.