Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants preview: the return of Mike Minor

Oct 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher

(36) in the dugout prior to game one of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

After being swept by the Miami Marlins for the first time this season, the Atlanta Braves had back home to Turner Field to try and stop the bleeding against the San Francisco Giants.

In addition to getting out of that terrible Miami series, the Braves can look forward to seeing Mike Minor take the hill for the first time this season. After sitting out the entire first month due to shoulder soreness, Minor has completed his short rehab process (including five minor league appearances) and is going to be pitted against Tim Lincecum.

The Braves starters have done a phenomenal job in Minor’s absence and are leading the MLB in ERA (2.32), but could potentially get even better–as Minor was expected to be one of the top two arms in the rotation, and still is as long as he’s healthy.

Lincecum is having another rough year for the Giants so far this season despite seeing much better K/9 and BB/9 numbers early. His current K/BB mark of 4.50 is the higher than he’s ever put up during a full season, but opposing batters are hitting .330 against him and he’s giving up more than two homers per game.

It’s going to be important for the Braves to get back on track in this series. They’re still leading the division, but dropping three games to the Marlins means that lead is cut down to just a game and a half. San Francisco is atop a competitive NL West at the moment and are 7-3 during their last 10 games.

Date: May 2, 2014

Start Time: 7:35 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, $)