WASHINGTON -- Though Kyle Wright has missed a significant portion of the regular season, he might factor into the Braves¡¯ postseason plans. But it doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯ll be used to strengthen a weakened starting rotation.

Wright began his bullpen audition by pitching the final three innings of the Braves¡¯ 3-2 loss to the Nationals in the first game of Sunday¡¯s split doubleheader. The right-hander will likely make at least one more multi-inning relief appearance before the regular season ends.

¡°I was really happy with how I threw the ball today,¡± Wright said. ¡°The command was pretty good and I executed for the most part. [Working as a reliever in the playoffs] is certainly a possibility. I've done it before and I¡¯ve pitched pretty well. I'm open to anything and whatever I can do to help us win.¡±

• Games remaining (7): at WSH (1), vs. CHC (3), vs. WSH (3)
• Standings update: The Braves (99-56) have clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the National League Division Series. They are the top NL division leader, meaning they would face the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 NL Wild Card Series in a five-game NL Division Series starting on Oct. 7.
• Home-field advantage: The Braves have a 2 1/2-game lead over the Orioles (96-59) for MLB¡¯s best record and home-field advantage through the World Series. They have a 3 1/2-game lead over the Dodgers (95-59) in the race for the NL¡¯s best record and home-field advantage through the NL Championship Series. Los Angeles defeated San Francisco on Sunday night.

This has been a tough weekend for the Braves¡¯ rotation. Max Fried was placed on the injured list because of a left index finger blister on Friday. Less than 12 hours later, Charlie Morton strained his right index finger and was placed on the IL. Fried will be available during the NLDS, but Morton will not make another start before the NLCS.

Wright¡¯s role within this span remains undetermined. He certainly didn¡¯t hurt his roster bid as he limited the Nationals to just one run over three innings, and one of the three hits he surrendered was a bunt single. The lone run he allowed came via a two-out double that was awarded when second baseman Ozzie Albies allowed the ball to skip past him.

With an off-day after Game 1 of the NLDS, the Braves could give Spencer Strider and Fried two starts each, both with regular rest, during the best-of-five series. Bryce Elder could start Game 3. Having Wright around would provide insurance and also the potential option to piggyback with Elder if Atlanta wants to limit how far Elder goes through the lineup.

¡°He does give us a nice option,¡±? Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Wright. ¡°Which is why we would like to look at him a few more times this week.¡±