Cleveland @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 27, 2013 ) Cleveland 0, Atlanta 2

The Cleveland Indians already have surpassed their 69-victory total from last season, and the coming days may determine whether or not they make a late-season push for the playoffs. The Indians visit the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set against the National League East leaders and the second of nine consecutive games versus teams with winning records. Cleveland, which faces American League Central leader Detroit and AL wild-card contender Baltimore after the Braves, sits 5 1/2 games behind the Tigers and trails Oakland by three for the second wild-card spot.

Atlanta plays its next eight games at home, where it has posted a major league-best 45-18 record. The Braves are home for 17 of their final 30 contests and, barring a monumental collapse, will win their first division title since the franchise’s 14-year streak from 1991-2005. Atlanta expects to get Dan Uggla back in the lineup Wednesday, as the second baseman has missed 12 games following LASIK surgery.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), SportSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Justin Masterson (14-9, 3.50 ERA) vs. Braves LH Paul Maholm (9-10, 4.51)

Masterson has reached double digits in victories each of the last three years, posting a career high in just 27 starts this season. The six-year veteran is tied for the major-league lead with three shutouts and has proven his durability, ranking fifth in the majors with 182 1/3 innings. He pitches Wednesday on six days' rest after allowing one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over 6 2/3 frames in a triumph over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 21.

Maholm’s 3-0 start to the season seems like a distant memory given his recent struggles. He is 0-4 with a 9.16 ERA and a stay on the disabled list with an elbow injury since the end of June. The 31-year-old is the veteran of Atlanta’s pitching staff but has struggled to the point where the Braves may have to consider keeping him off the postseason roster.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta received good news Tuesday as P Brandon Beachy was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation, rather than something more serious with his surgically repaired elbow.

2. Masterson is 6-6 with a 4.04 ERA in 12 road starts, compared to an 8-3 record and 3.06 ERA in 15 outings at home.

3. Cleveland RHP Corey Kluber, on the disabled list with a sprained right middle finger, threw for the second consecutive day Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Braves 3