Friday, April 4, 1:05 PM on FSSO, MASN

Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

Atlanta - (R) Hale, D (0-0) vs. Washington - (R) Roark, T (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Two youngsters get up close and friendly with the fight for the NL East crown as Atlanta's David Hale takes on Washington's Tanner Roark to kick off a 3-game set in D.C. Hale is a Princeton grad who made his debut in 2013 as a September call-up for the Braves, subsequently striking out 9 batters over 5 innings in his first MLB relief appearance. Hale went on to start two games, posting a 1-0 record while limiting his ERA to just 0.82.

Atlanta has optimism for a strong season from Hale even though he struggled this spring by going 0-3 in 5 starts while posting a 6.62 ERA. Only one player on the Washington roster has ever faced Hale with 1B Kevin Frandsen going 0-3 last year with the Phillies.

Even though 27-year-old Tanner Roark is just one year older than Hale, he had much more significant action in his MLB debut a year ago. Roark was called up in August and appeared as a reliever 9 times throughout the month, allowing just 4 runs over 22.2 innings while picking up 4 relief wins. In September Roark became a starter and won his first three games while allowing just 2 runs total. All total in 2013 Roark went 7-1 with just a 1.51 ERA.

Roark has faced members of the Braves roster only 28 times so far in his career while allowing just 7 hits and striking out 8.

Atlanta Betting Trends

Atlanta is 0-2-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta is +0.5

Washington Betting Trends

Washington is 1-0-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Washington is +2.0

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta 

03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/29/14 P Cory Gearrin Elbow 15-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Kris Medlen Elbow 60-day DL, out for season
03/28/14 P Mike Minor Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Washington 

04/02/14 C Wilson Ramos Hand is downgraded to expected to miss 4-8 weeks
04/01/14 LF Bryce Harper Head probable
03/30/14 P Doug Fister Back 15-day DL (3/23)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Guy's Pick: Take Washington

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