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The PR staff at Triple-A Syracuse just sent out its game notes for tonight, indicating Matt Chico will make his scheduled start tonight for the Chiefs. If that holds up, and Chico isn't scratched from the game, it remains unclear who will take Luis Atilano's spot in the rotation Sunday against the Brewers.
Left-hander Ross Detwiler pitched on Wednesday for Double-A Harrisburg, but he threw a day game. It would still be short rest for Detwiler, who pitched seven shutout innings for the Senators, but not as short as if he'd pitched a night game.
The Nationals could also try to get through with a few of their relievers, especially after Livan Hernandez threw a complete game yesterday.
With the Nationals expecting a handful of pitchers to return from injuries in the next few weeks, Atilano's injured right elbow opens up an important chance for someone to grab a spot in the rotation.
It figures to be at least one more trip through the rotation before Scott Olsen is ready to return, and Jordan Zimmermann might be looking at a return in the second week of August if the Nationals decide to be cautious with him.
If someone can grab a spot and pitch well in the next two starts, he could lay claim to the spot before any of the Nationals' injured pitchers return. Erik Arnesen and Aaron Thompson are two other names to keep in mind for the start.
