The Braves go into Washington for a three game series, Atlanta needing two wins against Washington to clinch the NL East early. Meanwhile, the Nationals are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive as they chase the Reds. Mike Minor faces Dan Haren in game one. Minor owns a high ERA down the stretch, but in terms of three-true outcomes, he pitched well. Haren pitched poorly all season, but against the Braves he allowed just one run in nine innings, walking one and striking out six.

The status of the game, however, is unclear at this point due to the Navy Yard shooting.

Good ERAs and so-so records are on display in Pittsburgh as San Diego send Andrew Cashner against A.J. Burnett. Cashner’s strength is keeping the ball in the park, something he’s done both at home and on the road. Burnett got lit up in his last two starts, despite not allowing a home run. He allowed ten run in his last 9 1/3 innings, as he allowed a .450 BA with men on base.

Texas and Tampa Bay battle for the top AL Wild Card spot as Matt Garza faces his old team and Alex Cobb. Garza has not faced the Rays since leaving Tampa Bay. He’s having rough September, allowing 14 hits in 11 innings despite striking out ten. Cobb is 5-0 in Tampa Bay, 3-3 on the road, despite pitching a little bit better away from home.

Scott Kazmir and James Shields take the hill as Cleveland tries to push Kansas City out of the wild card race, and the Royals try to gain on the second wild card slot. The two met last week, Kazmir lasting just four innings giving up four runs, while Shields went eight for the 6-2 Royals win. (Games of the Day is littered with Rays and former Rays pitchers. 🙂 )

Finally, two wins for the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks makes Los Angeles the NL West champions. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Trevor Cahill square off in game one. Ryu allowed 34 hits in 23 innings against the Diamondback this season. Cahill, on the other hand, owns a 1.33 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers.