Diamondbacks counting on Godley on road at Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hopeful that right-hander Zack Godley will continue to be a road warrior when he takes the mound for the second game of a three-game set against the Atlanta Braves.

The visiting Diamondbacks will start Godley (1-1, 7.41) against Atlanta right-hander Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.84).

The Diamondbacks won the first game 9-6 on Tuesday when first baseman Christian Walker hit the go-ahead homer in the ninth inning. Arizona has won two straight after losing four in a row.

A year ago, Godley was 9-6 with a 5.46 ERA in 18 starts away from home. He went 7-3 in the final 12 road starts with a 5.13 ERA. In his career, Godley is 18-15 with a 4.54 ERA.

Godley was roughed up in his most recent outing, a 7-6 loss to the San Diego Padres on April 11. Godley allowed six runs in six innings on six hits and three walks. He struck out eight, a season high. He gave up two homers for the second time this season and has allowed four in 17 innings.

Godley has made three career starts against Atlanta, going 1-1 with a 7.41 ERA. He faced the Braves once last year and beat them 2-1 in Atlanta on July 13. In that outing, Godley allowed one run over six innings.

The Diamondbacks are hopeful all of their starters will be dialed in during their current 10-game trip that includes stops in Atlanta, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

"It could be a little bit of a challenge because of the teams we're playing and we know that," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "But I don't want these guys to look past today."

Gausman lost to the New York Mets on April 11. He pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on four hits and three walks. Gausman threw seven shutout innings against the Miami Marlins in his first start on April 5. He began the season on the injured list because of right shoulder inflammation.

Gausman has made only one career start against Arizona, that coming last summer after he was traded to the Braves from Baltimore. He lost to the Diamondbacks on Sept. 7 in Phoenix, when he lasted only 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs.

Arizona will send T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Reno to make a rehab appearance on Wednesday against Albuquerque. He threw a simulated game on Saturday, throwing 17 pitches in a 2 1/3 inning outing. He has been on the injured list all season with left shoulder inflammation.

Atlanta placed left-handed reliever Jonny Venters on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a right calf strain. The Braves recalled right-hander Shane Carle from Triple-A Gwinnett. Carle opened the season with Atlanta, but was shipped out after he allowed five runs and two homers in 3 2/3 innings.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said catcher Brian McCann would be activated from the injured list on Wednesday, less than two weeks after straining his right calf while running the bases on April 6.

"We're going to get him in there (Wednesday)," Snitker said. "He's done all the drills and all the hitting. He says he feels really good."

The Braves will likely return backup catcher Alex Jackson to Triple-A Gwinnett.

--Field Level Media