This article previews a weekend baseball series in Washington, D.C., featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals. Though the complete analysis is behind a paywall, two beat writers offer a look at how each team approaches these crucial days in the nation’s capital.

Cal Quantrill, freshly claimed off waivers, is set to take the mound for the Atlanta Braves in the second game of a three-game series against the New York Mets. His start marks a pivotal moment in the series and represents a key step for Atlanta’s pitching rotation.