Arizona @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 19, 2011 ) Arizona 2, Atlanta 4

THE STORY: Arizona sends a rookie against a hot team in a tough environment, as the Diamondbacks meet Atlanta in the second of a three-game series between two playoff contenders at Turner Field. The Braves have won four of five games on this homestand and have won seven of their last 10. Arizona has also won seven of 10. Arizona leads the season series 2-1.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSAZ, FSS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Wade Miley (NR) vs. Braves RH Brandon Beachy (5-2, 3.43 ERA)

Atlanta has historically had problem against pitchers it has never seen. Add in the fact that Miley is left-handed and it could be a troubling situation for the Braves. Miley was a supplemental draft pick by the Diamondbacks in 2008. He was recalled from Triple-A Reno when recent acquisition Jason Marquis went on the DL with a broken leg. Miley was 4-1 with a 3.64 ERA in eight starts for Reno.

Beachy received no decisions in each of his last two starts, despite leaving the game with the lead. He allowed four runs, nine hits and struck out 19 in those 12 innings. That’s been typical of Beachy’s luck. In his eight starts since July 3, he’s 2-1 with five no-decisions while allowing no more than three runs in each of those games. This will be his first career appearance against Arizona.

ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (69-56): Justin Upton has only two hits in his last 16 at-bats, but his double against the Braves on Friday drove home two runs. Willie Bloomquist was hitless in the Philadelphia series, but continues to feast against the Braves; he had two hits against Atlanta on Friday and is 6-for-13 against the club for his career. Former Brave Kelly Johnson likes hitting against his ex-team, too; he’s now 15-for-42 against Atlanta.

ABOUT THE BRAVES (74-52): Veteran Chipper Jones hit home runs in consecutive games for the first time this season. He has 12 for the season. Craig Kimbrel picked up his 38th save of the season and has gone 29 consecutive appearances without allowing a run, spanning two months and 29 2/3 innings. He last allowed a run to the Mets on June 14. Tommy Hanson will definitely miss his next start and will have at least one rehab assignment before rejoining the Braves. He got a cortisone shot in his shoulder last week and completed two sets of 20 tosses. Mike Minor will get Hanson’s start on Aug. 23.

FINAL PITCH: The Braves have signed corner infielder Wes Helms, a former Atlanta draftee, to a minor-league contract. He was released by Florida and will play for Triple-A Gwinnett. He is expected to provide insurance for Chipper Jones at third base, as well as a solid right-handed off the bench.