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The Nationals' rotation will get yet another new look later this week, this one coming in light of the strained lower back that will send JD Martin to the disabled list on Sunday. In the short term, Martin's injury means Collin Balester will stay in the majors for a few more days, at least until the Nationals need another starter.
That will likely come on Friday against the Phillies, when Martin would have been scheduled to pitch next. The Nationals could bump it back to Saturday, pitching Ross Detwiler on regular rest. But they're using him on short rest tomorrow, so it seems likely they'd give him an extra day to make up for this week's workload.
From what I can see now, there's one reason the Nationals could have Detwiler pitch on the 30th: so they could bring Jordan Zimmermann back on the 31st against the Phillies. Zimmermann has a rehab start at Single-A Hagerstown on Monday, so he could make the start on regular rest. But the Nationals likely will want to wait until early August to bring Zimmermann back, giving him a little extra time in his Tommy John surgery rehab.
Scott Olsen? He pitched Thursday at Single-A Potomac, and would again need some schedule gymnastics to pitch on the 30th or 31st (he's currently lined up for the 27th). Jason Marquis pitched on Friday for Double-A Harrisburg, and is still likely a start or two away.
The other names to think about are the ones that came up this week before Detwiler was picked to replace the injured Luis Atilano. John Lannan is lined up to pitch Tuesday at Harrisburg, and Matt Chico is slated for Wednesday at Triple-A Syracuse. But in either case, the Nationals could have one of the two pitchers take Livan Hernandez's start on the 28th and they could bump everyone back a day. Or, they could put Hernandez in on the 30th and give him two extra days of rest - which is a possibility, given manager Jim Riggleman's intimations after Saturday's game that he might use Hernandez out of the bullpen for a few days. If that happened, Hernandez could get in some relief work at some point in what would be an eight-day layoff between starts and pick up on the 30th - or even the 31st, without a problem.
Those are all the contingencies I see at this point. But it is July, and the Nationals do have a long slate of pitchers waiting to come off the DL, so this could all look different by next weekend.
This is kind of an exciting time in Nats baseball, Get to see a glimpse of some of the future.
Ben, how do you honestly rate the Nats play this year to date? Do you see a bright future for them?
It's funny how these things work out, there's a reason they don't make these moves until last minute. I hope Colin packed more than one night of clothes or the team hotel gift shop will be his new favorite store.
My guess is if they are looking for a long-term answer it will be J-Zimm, if they are promoting someone just for a start or two then reevaluate the situation, I think Chico gets it (if it looks like JD will be back after the 15 days are up and they could potentially go to a 4 man rotation at some point with off days). And yes, this is why we have more options at starting pitching then we need. Not sure why you would use Livo out of the bullpen when he has been the most durable member of the rotation, he is the one likeliest to give you a extended quality start(yes, Stras is more likely to give you a quality start, but he does not usually last past the 6th, 7th at most). I would much rather see Stammen come out of the bullpen.
I could also see them using Olsen to see what the future holds for him. There's a name you didn't mention, Chien-Ming Wang, are we ever going to see him or is he just going to be a non-refundable deposit for next year?
I think Lannan comes back before Marquis, but they won't give up on the latter largely due to financial issues. Interesting to see how Atliano comes out of all the rotation musical chairs, I think he could get "Pipped" out of the rotation.
This time they just might bring up Chico for the single start if they decide to be conservative with Jordan Zimmermann's rehabilitation. Jason Marquis and his agent say he is ready? Why not bring him up just so he can blasted for 20 runs, creating a riot among fans? Maybe it would be enough to convince him to retire so he doesn't come to ST next year?
I think if he "retired," there would have to be some sort of "buyout" package, these players just don't quietly into the night. I would like to see Chico get another shot at a few starts. He could be trade bait as well.
Dont forget Scott Olsen, his agent said he is ready.
Ben,
Do u think they will keep Livan next year? Washington Post has article that said Livan wants to pitch next year and retire as an national.
Just said on Nats Xtra, the Nats will honor Andre Dawson before the August 10th game. Is this the first time Nats have honored their past as the Expos in an on-field ceremony. The Silver Fox said he would get The Hawks autograph.
Really an agent saying their client is ready?