Clan News » ent a magnetic resonance imaging test after reporting

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves arent likely to turn out their fortunes against the Washington Nationals until they get a better collective effort from their starting pitchers.Washington has won 11 of 12 games between the two N.L. East rivals, including the first three games of the four-game series that concludes Sunday. Since the start of 2015, the Nationals lead the series 25-6.The Nationals will send lefty Gio Gonzalez (8-9, 4.28) to the mound on Sunday against Atlanta right-hander Joel De La Cruz (0-6, 3.72).Atlantas problem lately has been with the bullpen. After going through a stretch where the bullpen pitched well, the Braves relievers have been poor on the current homestand. But Atlanta manager Brian Snitker puts much of the blame on the inability of the starting pitchers to go deep in the game, thus making the relievers shoulder a heavier burden.Its tough to cover the innings and it effectively, Snitker said. The key is to get the starts to go deeper and not rely on so many of those guys.The Atlanta bullpen has changed over the last three weeks. Lefty Dario Alvarez was packaged in a trade to Texas. Lefty Hunter Cervenka was traded to Miami. Chris Withrow and Arodyz Vizcaino were both placed on the disabled list.We had a nice bullpen run, Snitker said. Now were asking guys to do things theyre not capable of doing.Washington manager Dusty Baker is also concerned with his bullpen. The Nationals relievers wasted a 5-0 lead on Friday and nearly blew a six-run lead on Saturday.Im concerned, Baker said. I said that in Colorado. Youve got to be aware of the series after Colorado. Max (Scherzer) almost gave us seven innings (on Saturday) and weve got another high-power offense to face coming up in Baltimore. Gonzalez had his last start short-circuited by a lengthy rain delay on Aug. 16 against Colorado. Gonzalez allowed two runs in three innings but did not return after the delay.That was the worst time you could have one because Gio was throwing the ball good, Washington manager Dusty Baker said.Gonzalez will be facing the Braves for the second time this season. He received no decision on April 12 when he pitched six scoreless innings. De La Cruz will make his first career start against the Nationals.The Braves and Nationals have two more series remaining, one in Washington and another in Atlanta. Josh Allen Bills Jersey . Now tied for second in the league in shootout goals, the 24-year-old likes to see what the opposing goaltender has in store before he ultimately lands on a move. Thurman Thomas Womens Jersey . Kyle Denbrook, a soccer player from Saint Marys University, took the CIS male athlete of the week honour. 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The World Anti-Doping Agency provisionally suspended the Moscow Antidoping Center on Sunday, saying its operations must improve or a six-month ban on the facilitys accreditation will be imposed. OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are optimistic that the starting quarterback will play at the New York Jets after he missed Wednesdays practice with a right shoulder injury.To me, he will be out there, coach John Harbaugh said after practice. Its my belief hell be out there.A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder that Flacco has irritation in the joint of his throwing shoulder, which he has experienced before. The source said the Ravens expect Flacco to play, but a final determination might not be made until as late as Saturday.Flacco said he didnt feel the injury during Sundays 27-23 loss to the New York Giants. He felt a little something in the locker room after the game and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test after reporting the injury to the team Monday.Its nothing to worry about, Flacco said. It was probably best to take the day off, come back and see how it feels [Thursday].If Flacco is sidelined, the Ravens would turn to Ryan Mallett, who went 1-1 as a starter for Baltimore last season.Flacco started 137 straight games, the fifth-longgest streak in NFL history for quarterbacks, before suffering a season-ending knee injury last November.dddddddddddd He is the 27th-rated passer this season (78.9), throwing for 1,589 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.This latest injury isnt about how much pain he can tolerate.Its about making sure you can throw the ball good enough to help your team, Flacco said.Flacco hopes hell know whether he can play sometime this week and this wont become a game-time decision. He doesnt have to practice this week in order to play Sunday because of his experience, according to Harbaugh.I believe he has a legitimate chance to play, Harbaugh said. Theres no tougher guy than Joe.Flacco was among the nine players who didnt practice Wednesday for the short-handed Ravens. Its a list that includes wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. (ankle), linebackers Terrell Suggs (biceps), C.J. Mosley (hamstring) and Elvis Dumervil (foot) and guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder). ' ' '