Wednesday's game vs. Braves postponed

The Nationals' series finale against the Braves at Truist Park on Wednesday evening was postponed until Friday, Sept. 4, because of inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a seven-inning doubleheader in Atlanta, with Game 1 scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.

The Nats will return to Washington for an off-day on Thursday. They are slated to open an eight-game, seven-day homestand on Friday, beginning with a four-game series against the Marlins.

Wednesday’s postponement could give them new options as they finalize their starting pitchers for the weekend, which includes a Saturday doubleheader to make up a July 31 game in Miami. Max Scherzer is tabbed for the 4:05 p.m. ET matchup, and the team had not announced a starter for the second contest.

Erick Fedde was scheduled to start on Wednesday, and he could get the call. If so, the change in plans would follow the trend of the right-hander’s season -- being ready at a moment’s notice. He was moved from the bullpen into the starting rotation to fill in for the injured Stephen Strasburg (carpal tunnel neuritis, right hand), and has started in two of his five appearances this year. He is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in two career starts against the Marlins.

Wednesday’s postponement gives all arms an extra day of rest before the big homestand. One of the Nationals’ priorities had been keeping the bullpen fresh for the extra seven innings this weekend. Manager Dave Martinez had wanted the starters to help alleviate the workload of the relievers, who have been relied on this season.

“It’s going to be crucial,” Martinez said of the starting pitchers. “We’ve got to get some guys that give us some length soon. Our bullpen’s been pitching an awful lot. They’ve been doing well, but I’d like to see some of our starters go deeper into games.”

With the second game added on Sept. 4 against the Braves, the Nationals are scheduled to play 21 games in 19 days. After Thursday, their next off day is Sept. 9.