Pitcher set for start after skipped outing due to back issue

A right-handed pitcher is scheduled to start the rubber game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves on Thursday night at Truist Park. The pitcher had his previous start skipped after reporting lingering back tightness that began following a complete-game shutout on June 15. He had struggled in the outing immediately after that shutout.

m. ET. High temperatures approaching triple digits are forecast for the early afternoon game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cincinnati Reds placed two players on the injured list and started a second baseman or shortstop in center field during Wednesday's game.

That move kept another infielder in the lineup after a teammate returned from the injured list.

Braves rotation outlook A 24-year-old right-hander will make his first start of the season for the Braves. He missed the first three months after surgery to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow in February and made five rehab starts before appearing as a reliever last week. With a strong outing, the right-hander could remain in the rotation while two other pitchers continue to struggle.