Colorado @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 3, 2012 ) Colorado 1, Atlanta 6

The Atlanta Braves might not catch the Washington Nationals in the National League East, but they’re playing like a dangerous wild card team. The Braves opened their four-game series with the Colorado Rockies with a 6-1 win Monday, keeping them atop the race for the first wild card spot. Atlanta, which is 10-2 against Colorado since the beginning of last season, trails Washington by 6 1/2 games in the NL East. Braves catcher Brian McCann has missed the last two games with a sore right shoulder and is listed as day-to-day after receiving a cortisone shot Saturday.

While the Braves have won two straight, not everyone is happy. Second baseman Dan Uggla voiced his frustration after being told by manager Fredi Gonzalez that Martin Prado will receive most of the starts at second down the stretch. Uggla started in this year’s All-Star game, but his average has dipped to .208. Jeff Baker and Tyler Pastornicky could also start at second, with Uggla serving as a late-inning power source off the bench. The Rockies are eager to get shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (groin) back in the lineup, but he’s not expected to complete his rehab assignment until next week. When Tulowitzki returns, rookie Josh Rutledge will likely become the team’s regular second baseman.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Colorado), SportSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Drew Pomeranz (1-8, 5.13 ERA) vs. Braves RH Tommy Hanson (12-7, 4.45)

Pomeranz has gone 0-5 with a 7.04 ERA in his previous nine starts, losing his fifth straight Wednesday when he gave up six runs (five earned) over four innings against Philadelphia. The 23-year-old Pomeranz has gone 1-3 with a 5.68 ERA is six road starts this season. He is set to make his first career appearance against the Braves.

Hanson will be happy to start a new month after going 0-2 with 10 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings over three starts in August. He has failed to get out of the fifth inning in his last two starts, and his fastball velocity has clearly decreased in recent weeks. He is 2-2 with a 6.69 ERA since the All-Star break and 2-0 with a 5.50 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves promoted right-handed pitchers Cory Gearrin and Julio Teheran from Triple-A Gwinnett.

2. Rockies LF Carlos Gonzalez has three multi-hit games in his last five contests, giving him 45 for the season.

3. Braves 3B Chipper Jones stands at 2,711 career hits and is tied with Hall of Famer Billy Williams for 62nd place on the all-time list.