Cardinals vs Nationals live stream: Watch online free 8:15 ET Friday for the start of a three-game series in St. Louis.

Both teams had been playing well, with the Nationals (35-30) winning four in a row until a loss vs the Giants in that series-finale. The Cardinals (34-32) had won three straight until losing in the finale against the Rays. Watch the free live stream online as these two playoff-hopefuls begin a new series.

Watch the free live stream online of the Cardinals vs Nationals below:

HERE or HERE

Since beginning his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Matt Adams has not had any issues with the strained left calf that landed him on the DL. Friday is the first day he is eligible to be activated.

"We want to see the timing right, but it's more the physical, that he feels good," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "He's running and not having any relapses.

The Cardinals are likely to option one of their young outfielders -- Randal Grichuk or Oscar Taveras -- but for now, Matheny would like to avoid any discussions about the possible move.

"I know it's a fair question, but I don't think there's a fair answer to start drawing all the conclusions of what might start happening here if and when Adams does come back," the skipper said. "I don't want that necessarily being something Oscar is worried about, even though he probably will anyhow. It's a topic of conversation, I get it. I would just rather stay away from it and let the guys play the game."

Lance Lynn (6-4, 3.49 ERA) will be on the mound vs Jordan Zimmerman (5-2, 3.17 ERA) for a solid pitching duel to start this three-game series.

In a complete-game shutout vs. the Padres, Zimmermann retired the first 16 batters and recorded seven strikeouts before Alexi Amarista singled to right field for the Padres' first hit. Zimmermann allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 12, according to MLB.com.

Lynn labored in his latest start, needing 110 pitches to get through five frames. While he gave up just two runs, he did not have a clean inning and stranded nine. The Cards are 4-5 in Lynn's past nine starts after winning his first four in April, according to MLB.com.