Atlanta @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 12, 2012 ) Atlanta 2, Milwaukee 8

Ryan Braun has not played since June 9, and the Milwaukee Brewers open a three-game home series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday realizing they might be without the former NL MVP for longer than anticipated. A second opinion on the slugger’s right hand revealed a bruise and inflamed nerve near his right thumb may keep Braun on the disabled list until early July. The Brewers have lost four of their past six, dropping two out of three at lowly Houston to wrap up a nine-game road trip.

NL East-leading Atlanta lost its first home series of the year in dropping three of five to the Mets. A big reason why is lack of hitting with runners on base: the Braves left 11 runners on base and went 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position in Thursday’s 4-3 loss. Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla did not start the game and, according to published reports, the struggling Uggla (.194 with 92 strikeouts in 227 at-bats) may be experiencing vision problems.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (5-3, 3.36 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (4-8, 6.08)

Given a chance to pitch regularly in the majors after three years of being ballyhooed as the Braves’ top prospect, Teheran has emerged as a solid part of the Atlanta rotation. The right-hander has 66 strikeouts and 16 walks in 83 innings. Teheran has been outstanding in three June starts, going 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA and just three walks with 22 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Peralta gave the Brewers a big boost last season, going 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA, but has struggled to recapture that consistency this season. His 54 earned runs allowed are the most in the NL, and he is 1-6 in his past eight starts. Peralta has struggled in eight games at home, going 2-5 with a 7.34 ERA and 22 walks in 38 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee P John Axford is thriving in a set-up role; the former closer has not allowed a run in his past 18 appearances, going 3-0 with four holds and 18 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.

2. The Braves lead the NL in ERA; the Brewers are last.

3. Atlanta has played 45 games in the past 47 days; after Sunday, the Braves have three off days in the following eight days.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Brewers 2