Cincinnati @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 12, 2013 ) Cincinnati 4, Atlanta 2

The biggest question for the Atlanta Braves as they host the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday is who will play the outfield. Jason Heyward strained his right hamstring in Thursday’s series opener while B.J. Upton (strained right adductor muscle) and Justin Upton (strained left calf muscle) were injured in Atlanta’s 4-2 loss Friday. The Braves, who deployed rookie Joey Terdoslavich and utility player Tyler Pastornicky to the outfield Friday, reached into the minors to recall Jose Constanza from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday to help with two games left before the All-Star break.

Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips continues to come through with big hits. His two-run first-inning single Friday was his 14th game-winning RBI and 26th go-ahead RBI this season, and he is batting .402 with runners in scoring position. Center fielder Shin-Soo Choo carries a 10-game hitting streak into Saturday and is hitting .405 during that stretch.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (5-7, 3.70 ERA) vs. Braves LH Mike Minor (8-4, 3.05)

Bailey was hit hard Monday in his first start since his July 2 no-hitter against the Giants, surrendering four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-3 loss at Milwaukee. Bailey has received inconsistent run support with the Reds scoring two runs or fewer eight times, and five runs or more six times. The right-hander pitched five innings against Atlanta on May 7 in Cincinnati, getting a no-decision after allowing four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts.

Minor raced to eight victories in his first 13 starts, but has been stuck on that number while going 0-2 with a 4.75 ERA in his past five outings. The left-hander allowed one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings Tuesday at Miami in a game Atlanta won in 14 innings. Minor dominated the Reds on May 8, holding them to one run on four hits in seven innings to earn a 7-2 victory.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves’ roster is hitting .218 against Bailey with three extra-base hits - all doubles - in 78 at-bats.

2. Cincinnati P Sean Marshall, on the disabled list since May 24 with a sprained left shoulder, threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Friday.

3. Atlanta’s outfield injury news wasn’t limited to the starters as CF Jordan Schafer, on the disabled list with a bruised right ankle, was diagnosed with a stress fracture in the ankle and likely will be sidelined until August.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Reds 4