ATLANTA - The Nationals begin a crucial three-game series with the Braves tonight, but will be without the services of right fielder Jayson Werth.
Werth has dealt with right shoulder soreness and an ankle injury in the past few days.
Steven Souza Jr. will get the start in right instead and bat eighth.
Asdrubal Cabrera will hit second and play second for the Nats.
Stephen Strasburg will take the mound and face Ervin Santana. Strasburg has allowed just one run in 14 innings pitched over his last two starts. He has only been so-so against the Braves in his career, going 3-5 with a 4.04 ERA in 14 starts.
For the Nats
CF Denard Span
2B Asdrubal Cabrera
3B Anthony Rendon
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
RF Steven Souza Jr.
RHP Stephen Strasburg
For the Braves
CF B.J. Upton
2b Tommy La Stella
1B Freddie Freeman
LF Justin Upton
RF Jason Heyward
C Evan Gattis
3B Chris Johnson
SS Ramiro Pena
RHP Ervin Santana
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