Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 23, 2019 ) Philadelphia 2, Washington 7

The Washington Nationals are strengthening their grasp on a potential postseason berth at the expense of a familiar face in Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies. Washington (86-69) conceivably can punch its ticket to the playoffs and eliminate Philadelphia (79-76) from postseason consideration on Tuesday when the National League East rivals play a doubleheader at Nationals Park.

Adam Eaton belted his career-high 15th homer to highlight his second three-hit performance in three contests in Monday's 7-2 romp as the Nationals trimmed their magic number to three to clinch a playoff berth. Trea Turner and Yan Gomes also went deep for Washington, which resides a half-game ahead of Milwaukee for the top wild-card spot in the National League and 4 1/2 in front of the next closest pursuer (Chicago Cubs). Harper, who bolted the nation's capital for the City of Brotherly Love after signing a 13-year, $330 million contract, carries a seven-game hitting streak into Wednesday's doubleheader. The free-falling Phillies, who sit 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers for the final wild-card spot, need to win the final four contests of the five-game series versus the Nationals to avoid being eliminated.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Blake Parker (3-2, 4.40 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Joe Ross (3-4, 6.17)

Parker is expected to receive his first start in his 58th appearance this season on Tuesday in a game that is being made up following a rainout on June 18. The 34-year-old retired all four batters he faced on 16 pitches on Friday in a no-decision at Cleveland. Parker owns a 2-0 mark with a 4.71 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 20 appearances since being acquired from Minnesota.

Ross, who last pitched for Washington on Sept. 2, has made considerable strides in his recovery from a sore right forearm to make the start in Tuesday's afternoon game. "It's been good," bench coach Chip Hale said of the 26-year-old. "He's thrown a ton of flat ground. A lot of long toss. And has had no issues with it and feels good. So we're excited to get him back out there." Ross posted a 3-0 mark with a 1.05 ERA in five August starts before getting blitzed for seven runs on eight hits with three walks in 3 2/3 innings against the New York Mets in his last start.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 18-for-45 with 11 RBIs and as many runs scored against Philadelphia this season.

2. Phillies C J.T. Realmuto could be shut down for the remainder of the season as he deals with right knee soreness.

3. Nationals LF Juan Soto has walked nine times in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Phillies 1