Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins preview: Ervin Santana saves the day?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

After back-to-back blowout losses at the hands of the Miami Marlins, the Atlanta Braves are suddenly reeling a bit. Fortunately, Ervin Santana is in line to get the ball on Thursday night against Henderson Alvarez, and that should provide a bit of comfort.

Santana has been lights-out (1.95 ERA) in his short time with the Braves, and the fan base has already taken a big-time liking to the former Angels and Royals right-hander. We seem like a broken record in pointing out that the Marlins don’t exactly have a potent lineup, but unfortunately, that hasn’t mattered to guys like Alex Wood and Aaron Harang earlier in the week. Still, Santana is certainly better than Harang (regardless of the numbers), and eventually, the offense will likely return to (at a minimum) decent production.

The bats will have that opportunity against 24-year-old right-hander Henderson Alvarez. He is sporting an ERA under 3.00 through three starts, but Alvarez’s WHIP is an ugly 1.42, and there are signs of trouble. In addition to that, the youngster has been battered by the Braves in his career, posting a 6.86 ERA over four starts, and this could be an angry offensive bunch after the past two nights.

Here is a look at the particulars for Thursday:

Date: May 1, 2014

Start Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV Channel: SportSouth

Radio: 680 AM/106.7 FM (Local in Atlanta), Full list of Local Affiliates

Live Stream: MLB.tv (Click Here, $)

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@ATLBeatBlog) for more information (including all of your Atlanta Braves action), and check back after the game for a full recap. Sound off in the comments!