Atlanta @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2013 ) Atlanta 1, Chi. Cubs 3

Although the Atlanta Braves are on the verge of winning the National League East title when they visit the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, the final week of the regular season will be a busy time for Jason Heyward. The Braves’ outfielder has played in two games since returning from fracturing his jaw on Aug. 21, and his team struggled offensively while he was out. The Braves are hitting a NL-worst .220 in September and could use a jolt from Heyward, who has hit .337 since moving into the leadoff spot July 27.

Chicago’s Pedro Strop could not convert his first three save opportunities this season, but the 28-year-old looked comfortable pitching the ninth Saturday. Strop struck out the side on 16 pitches in a 3-1 victory, and likely will get a chance to pitch in save situations during the final week of the season as the Cubs look toward 2014. Auditions for next season has been a consistent theme for Chicago, which has set a franchise record for most players this season (33).

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (12-8, 3.14 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Edwin Jackson (8-16, 4.75)

Teheran gave up four runs on seven hits against San Diego last Sunday, taking a shutout into the sixth before running into trouble. The 22-year-old is 5-3 with a 3.33 ERA and a .219 opponents’ batting average since Aug. 1. He leads the majors with eight pickoffs and is second in the National League in hit batsmen (13).

Jackson is 1-3 in his past four starts despite a 3.18 ERA, but is tied with Houston’s Lucas Harrell for the major-league lead in losses. He has allowed only four homers in 72 innings at home. The 11-year veteran, who makes his 30th start of the season, is 0-1 with a 3.62 ERA in six career appearances against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are tied for fourth in the majors in homers this month with 25.

2. Atlanta 3B Chris Johnson raised his average to .332 with two hits Saturday. He is one point ahead of Colorado’s Michael Cuddyer for the NL batting lead.

3. The Braves lead the majors in ERA (3.20).

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Cubs 3