Atlanta @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 1, 2014 ) Atlanta 5, Milwaukee 2

Both Matt Garza and Aaron Harang will debut with new teams when the Milwaukee Brewers host the Atlanta Braves in the finale of a three-game series Wednesday, but suffice to say there is plenty more optimism surrounding Garza’s first outing in a new uniform. Milwaukee signed Garza to a four-year contract in the offseason, hoping the right-hander is the missing piece to competing in the National League Central. Atlanta added Harang in the final days of spring training after losing starters Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy to season-ending injuries.

The Braves led the NL with 181 homers last season, and used the long ball to break a 13 2/3-inning scoreless drought Tuesday, riding two Freddie Freeman homers and a Jason Heyward two-run blast to win 5-2. Atlanta’s first two starters – Julio Teheran and Alex Wood – have combined to allow three runs in 13 innings, but the Braves’ rotation is a huge question mark until Mike Minor and Ervin Santana join the rotation later this month. The Brewers have pitching questions as well, mainly in the bullpen where Francisco Rodriguez will continue to close as Jim Henderson looks to regain the form that led to 28 saves in 2013.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Aaron Harang (2013: 5-12, 5.40 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (2013: 10-6, 3.82)

Harang signed with the Braves on March 24 after being released by Cleveland earlier that day, surrendering six runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings in his only spring appearance for Atlanta. The 35-year-old made 26 starts last season, going 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four starts for the Mets in September. The right-hander has made 25 career appearances against Milwaukee, going 6-6 with a 4.19 ERA.

Garza struggled after being dealt from the Cubs to Texas last season, going 4-5 with a 4.38 ERA after winning six of his seven decisions before the trade. He posted an 8.80 ERA in five spring training starts, going 1-3 and allowing 22 runs (15 earned) in 15 1/3 innings. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA in three career starts against Atlanta, surrendering four homers in 14 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Henderson, who watched Rodriguez get the save in Milwaukee’s 2-0 victory Monday, struck out the only hitter he faced in his season debut Tuesday.

2. Atlanta OF B.J. Upton struck out twice Tuesday and is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in two games.

3. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez and C Jonathan Lucroy are a combined 8-for-14 in the series.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Braves 3