Atlanta @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2012 ) Atlanta 0, Philadelphia 3

The Atlanta Braves failed to acquire a top-of-the-rotation starter at the trade deadline. The way Tim Hudson has pitched the past two months, the Braves did not need to make a deal. The right-hander is one of the hottest pitchers in the National League, going 7-1 in his past nine starts with a 2.98 ERA. Hudson looks to get the Braves back on track after Philadelphia ended a seven-game losing streak to its NL East rival with Tuesday’s 3-0 victory. Kyle Kendrick makes his second start since returning to the rotation. Kendrick started Friday, just hours after Joe Blanton was traded to the Dodgers.

Since being swept at Atlanta on July 27-29, the Phillies have won five of their past eight. Kendrick has made 14 starts this season, but was sent to the bullpen after losing four out of five starts in June. Philadelphia is 4-10 when Kendrick starts this season. Atlanta’s Dan Uggla, who is hitting just .136 with two home runs since June 5, did not play Tuesday but is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday’s series finale.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Atlanta RH Tim Hudson (11-4, 3.45 ERA) vs. Philadelphia RH Kyle Kendrick (4-9, 4.45).

Hudson did not make his first start of the season until April 29 following offseason back surgery, and yet the right-hander is tied for 11th in the NL in victories. Hudson has won his past four starts. He has beaten the Phillies twice during that span (July 6 in Philadelphia; July 29 in Atlanta), allowing just two runs on 11 hits in 12 2/3 innings.

Considering he had nearly no advance notice that he was starting Friday against Arizona, Kendrick fared well in his return to the rotation. In four innings, Kendrick gave up five hits and two earned runs. Kendrick pitched well in his one start against the Braves this season, allowing four hits and no earned runs while getting a no-decision against Hudson on July 6. Kendrick is 6-1 lifetime against Atlanta with a 2.28 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Through the first week of August, the Braves rank second in the majors in team ERA (2.00). The Phillies are tied for third (2.72).

2. One night after being hit with a pitch, Philadelphia OF Domonic Brown showed no ill effects Tuesday. He drove in a run with a first-inning double and threw out Brian McCann, who was trying to stretch a single into a double in the fifth.

3. The Braves hope P Tommy Hanson, who is on the disabled list with a strained lower back, will be able to throw a bullpen session this weekend.