Atlanta @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 29, 2012 ) Philadelphia 2, Atlanta 6

It looks like Philadelphia won't win the National League East again, but the Phillies have won four of six since dealing Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence at the trade deadline. Atlanta, which used to own the division, on the other hand has pushed itself into contention for the title. The Braves are three games behind the Nationals in the NL East and own one of the two wild-card spots. Philadelphia is 16 games behind division leader Washington and 12½ games out of the wild-card race.

Atlanta has won 20 of 27 since July 4, bringing its record a season-best 16 games above .500 (62-46) with a Sunday victory over Houston. The Braves have swept the past two series against the Phillies, outscoring Philadelphia 29-10 in those six victories. Atlanta is ninth in the majors in ERA (3.74). Philadelphia was two games over .500 at the end of May, but is 22-34 since.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), CSN (Philadelphia).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Atlanta RH Ben Sheets (3-1, ERA 1.46) vs. Philadelphia RH Vance Worley (6-6, 3.63)

Other than a three-run first inning Wednesday against Miami, Sheets has been stellar in his return to the big leagues. The right-hander has allowed just five runs total in 24 2/3 innings in four starts with the Braves, walking six and striking out 23. Sheets beat the Phillies on July 27, allowing one earned run on six hits in six innings.

Worley won his first start in August, beating the Nationals with six shutout innings Wednesday. He earned a no-decision against Atlanta on July 8, allowing seven hits and three earned runs in six innings. Worley has allowed as many earned runs in 109 innings (44) as he did all of last season in 131 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia SS Jimmy Rollins did not start Sunday. He is just 3-for-29 in his past eight games. All three hits are home runs.

2. The Braves are 7-2 against Philadelphia this season.

3. Atlanta P Jair Jurrjens will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. Jurrjens is on the disabled list with a strained right groin.