Washington @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2012 ) Washington 5, NY Mets 3

The forgotten man in Washington’s pitching plans, John Lannan, returns to the major leagues to replace Stephen Strasburg in the Nationals’ rotation. The left-hander, who made 122 starts for the Nationals from 2008-2011, has made just two spot starts for Washington this season. He will take the mound for the series finale at New York after the Nationals decided to shut down Strasburg for the season following Friday’s loss to Baltimore. The Mets will start rookie Matt Harvey, who the organization has stated will make two more starts before he is shut down for the season.

The Mets surprised many by staying within five games of first place until the All-Star break, but a 19-37 second half has long since dashed the enthusiasm from New York’s strong start. The Mets have been brutal at home, losing 20 of 24 since the break and scoring just 2.4 runs per game. Washington rookie Bryce Harper posted a career-high four hits Tuesday and is hitting .337 in his past 20 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH John Lannan (2-0, 3.46 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (3-4, 3.04).

Lannan went 9-11 with a 4.30 ERA and three complete games for Triple-A Syracuse this season. Summoned to the majors twice for spot starts, the left-hander won both outings. He topped the Braves with seven strong innings on July 21, then topped the Marlins on Aug. 3. In 13 major-league innings, Lannan has allowed five earned runs on nine hits with seven strikeouts.

Harvey lost his last start Sept. 4, allowing three runs on six hits in five innings at St. Louis. The right-hander has struck out 53 in 47 1/3 innings in his first eight major-league starts, holding opponents to three earned runs or less seven times. Harvey has pitched 157 1/3 innings combined this season between Triple-A Buffalo and New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. Lannan is 4-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 11 lifetime starts against the Mets.

2. New York manager Terry Collins indicated Tuesday the Mets will start at least eight different pitchers in the team’s final 18 games, in order to give a look to top prospects Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia.

3. After an off day Thursday, Washington plays three at Atlanta. Following that series, the Nationals are home for 10 of their final 16 games.