Nationals Hope For Rebound Game Behind Improved Dan Haren

Since coming off of the DL in July, Dan Haren has started seven games and even made a relief appearance. In those outings, Haren went 4-2 with a sparkling 2.30 ERA, striking out 44 batters while even picking up a save, the first of his major league career. His recent run of success has lowered his ERA to 4.79, which while not great, is much better than the near 6 ERA he had prior to his time “injured” on the disabled list. Dan Haren has returned to his pre 2012 self, when he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. He has emerged as the stopper in the Nationals rotation. The Nationals will need him to be that stopper Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs, after a game that featured Jordan Zimmermann giving up eight runs and three home runs in a 11-1 loss. Opposing Haren will be Cubs left hander Chris Rusin(2-2, 3.07), who has enjoyed a successful season since taking the rotation spot previously filled by now traded Matt Garza.

Aug 17, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Dan Haren (15) and catcher

(40) react after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Nationals defeated the Braves 8-7 in fifteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Lineups
Washington Nationals: 60-64
1. Bryce Harper, CF
2. Ian Desmond, SS
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Jayson Werth, RF
5. Wilson Ramos, C
6. Tyler Moore, 1B
7. Anthony Rendon, 2B
8. Scott Hairston, LF
9. Dan Haren, RHP

Chicago Cubs: 54-70
1. Junior Lake, CF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Nate Schierholtz, RF
5. Donnie Murphy, 3B
6. Brian Bogusevic, LF
7. Wellington Castillo, C
8. Starlin Castro, SS
9. Chris Rusin, LHP