These divisional rivals are facing off as the regular season comes to an end, and both teams will be missing out on postseason play in 2025. Atlanta entered the season with far higher expectations, but a combination of poor play and injuries resulted in where they are right now. I do believe they hold the starting pitching edge in this matchup, however, with Hurston Waldrep taking the mound. He has a 2.78 ERA after 8 earned runs allowed in his last outing, which shows how dominant he was before that poor outing. Look for a bounce back effort in this spot.

Brad Lord is set to start this game for Washington, and he enters play with a 4.31 ERA. He has spent time in both a starting and relieving role this season, and while he is a serviceable option for this Nationals team, he is not a pitcher that strikes a ton of fear in opposing lineups. I look for the Braves to draw long counts against Lord and put up some crooked innings as they give Waldrep another shot at a win.