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The Nationals activated right-hander Stephen Strasburg from the disabled list to start today's series finale against the Reds. He had been on the shelf with an upper back strain since June 16.
Right-hander Joe Ross has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Ross went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits, with no walks and two strikeouts in Saturday's matchup against the Reds. Ross has seen his velocity dip, especially to his sinker, which went from a 93.4 mph average to 91.8 mph last night.
This means that top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito remains with the Nationals and will likely get at least two more starts. He tossed four scoreless frames in a rain-interrupted debut last Tuesday against the Mets. Giolito is expected to take Ross' slot July 7 at Mets for his second major league start.
