Braves hopeful Keuchel will debut Friday vs. Nationals

The wait for Dallas Keuchel to make his Atlanta Braves debut is coming to an end.

Braves skipper Brian Snitker said he's hopeful Keuchel will make his first start for the club Friday at the Washington Nationals, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

An official decision has not been made, and the starter for Friday's contest is still listed as "TBA" on the team's schedule.

In two minor-league starts since signing a one-year, $13-million contract, Keuchel has allowed three runs on 12 hits while striking out 13 over 14 innings.