Updates on Stephen Strasburg, Michael A. Taylor and Tanner Roark

The Nationals were able to prevent a sweep in St. Louis last night, securing a much-needed win as they prepare to begin a seven-game homestand with four against the Braves followed by three versus the NL East leading Mets.

With New York off tonight, the Nationals have the ever important opportunity to gain a ½ game in the standings. The Nats own a 37-26 record in D.C. this year.

"We've got work to do," manager Matt Williams said after last night's 4-3 win over the Cardinals. "We've got to play well at home. We've played well there traditionally. Hopefully this is a start for a lot of wins in a row for us."

Michael A. Taylor will miss his second straight game tonight. The rookie injured his right knee colliding into the center field wall while trying to make a catch in last Thursday's win over the Padres. After sitting out a couple games, Taylor was able to make three starts but then aggravated the knee again in Tuesday's game.

"He made a throw the other night and banged the knee again, so it's stiff," Williams said. "We got him through the initial time that he ran into the fence and he was okay. But this last one, it got stiff again. We just gotta make sure we get the swelling out of there and make sure he's okay.

"One issue for him is stopping. He's okay to run, but if he has to stop, that's where it gives him trouble. That's just swelling in the joint."

Williams indicated that the 24-year-old Taylor is available in an emergency situation tonight.

"If he hits and gets on base, we may have to run for him," Williams said. "Sliding into second, breaking up a double play, things like that are concerns at this point. But he's certainly available to hit. He was last night as well."

Stephen Strasburg threw off a mound for the first time since leaving last Sunday's game after throwing just four innings with upper back tightness. Williams expects Strasburg to ready to make a start in the upcoming Mets series at Nats Park.

"If all goes well, of course," Williams said. "That's the plan."

Tanner Roark will be recalled from Double-A Harrisburg to start in place of Strasburg on Friday night against the Braves. Roark is 3-1 with a 5.65 ERA in six starts this year after finishing 15-10 with a 2.85 ERA in 31 starts in 2014.

Williams anticipates Roark throwing around 80-85 pitches tomorrow evening.

"Depending on stressful innings, he can get us through five innings," Williams said. "Six (innings) potentially if he's pinpoint control and if he's getting early outs. But again, we're not going to necessarily push him to 110 tomorrow. He's not ready for that. We'll see how it goes."