Brewers hand Nelson ball in matchup with Mets

Jimmy Nelson gets a chance to show the Milwaukee Brewers if he can become an effective starter in the majors.

The right-hander makes his fourth appearance with the Brewers and his first major league start when the Brewers continue their season-ending four- game series Saturday against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Nelson had his contract purchased from Triple-A Nashville on Sept. 3. His first three appearances have come in relief, most recently allowing one hit over two innings against the Cubs on Sept. 18. Nelson, who has yet to give up a run, went 10-10 with a 3.25 ERA in 27 starts between Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville. He was named to the All-Star Futures Game and Southern League All-Star Game.

Aaron Harang tries to snap a nine-start winless streak for the Mets. The righty, who went 5-11 for Seattle earlier this season before being released on Aug. 31, has dropped his last four decisions since a victory on July 22 against Cleveland. He is 6-6 with a 4.30 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) against the Brewers.

Milwaukee could get back one of its top players today. Shortstop Jean Segura has not played since Sept. 18 due to a strained right hamstring.

Mets third baseman David Wright could sit out again. He missed Friday's contest due to a thumb injury.

Three home runs and six solid innings from Yovani Gallardo were enough to help the Brewers to a 4-2 victory Friday night. Milwaukee has thrived in Flushing as of late, winning nine of its last 10 visits. Norichika Aoki and Martin Maldonado had solo homers and Khris Davis hit a two-run shot before leaving in the eighth with a leg injury.

Gallardo (12-10) has been on a roll ever since returning from the disabled list. On Friday, he struck out six and allowed both New York runs on seven hits. He has four wins and a 2.10 ERA over his last eight starts.

"Being on the DL for those two weeks just kind of lets you reset, kind of have a fresh start," Gallardo said. "And ever since then I've been feeling good."

Justin Turner and Juan Lagares each drove in a run for the Mets, who have dropped the first two of this four-game set. Carlos Torres (4-6) struck out seven and was charged with three runs on four hits over six frames.

"This is a tough park to hit in," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We've looked at a lot of stats, a lot of numbers, and our numbers are not good here. But neither are our opponents'. You've got to be able to hit the baseball. You've got to be a pretty good offensive player to play in this park and put up decent numbers. This is a tough place to hit."

The Mets won two of three in Milwaukee from July 5-7.