Overview
- The Braves dropped a 9-5 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, a defeat that cut their NL East lead to three games with about 23 contests remaining.
- MLB.com reported Suárez began bullpen work this week and the club and reliever are confident he could be activated before the regular season ends, which would restore a dominant late‑inning option.
- To add immediate depth the Braves recalled veteran right‑hander Elieser Hernández from Triple‑A Gwinnett, optioned rookie Blake Burkhalter back to Triple‑A after his major‑league debut, and designated lefty Hayden Harris for assignment.
- Manager Walt Weiss rested utilityman Mauricio Dubón and reshuffled the lineup with Ozzie Albies back at second base and Mike Yastrzemski in left as Atlanta balances rest, matchups and bullpen length.
- Philadelphia has won 15 of 17 games and is using matchup lineups like sitting Brandon Marsh versus a lefty, a surge that closes the gap and raises the stakes for the four‑game Braves–Phillies series that begins Friday.