Washington Nationals News: Bronson Arroyo Scratched With Shoulder Soreness

Down in Jupiter, Florida, Bronson Arroyo was scratched from his scheduled start because of shoulder soreness

Before the Washington Nationals took on the Miami Marlins this afternoon in Jupiter, Florida, starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo was scratched from making his third appearance (second start of the spring) because of soreness in his shoulder. Instead of Arroyo, it will be Blake Treinen who will make his second start of the spring against Wei-Yin Chen for Miami:

Bronson Arroyo has been scratched from his start today with shoulder soreness. Blake Treinen will start in his place
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) March 16, 2016

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In his last spring start back on March 10 in Viera, Arroyo threw three perfect innings against the Houston Astros while striking out three batters. The 39-year-old right-hander is trying to make it back to the Major Leagues after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2014. Here is what manager Dusty Baker told the media about Arroyo’s injury:

Dusty said Arroyo complained of shoulder soreness couple days ago. Concern all along has been how arm would respond pitching every 5 days.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) March 16, 2016

Arroyo, hoping to compete for rotation spot, had shoulder cleanup when he had Tommy John, per Dusty. So he'll be resting at least a few days
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) March 16, 2016

Coming into the spring, I thought if Arroyo had a good spring, he could push Joe Ross for that fifth rotation spot. However, with the Nats having to make a roster decision on Arroyo by the end of spring training, it would be tough to see him making the starting rotation out of camp because of this injury, even though he has pitched under Baker before from his time with the Reds.

When you look at Ross’ performances, he has had a strong spring so far. In his last two starts, he has seven strikeouts, has walked three batters, and given up three runs in 6.2 innings. He gave up one run on five hits in four innings of work against the Astros on Monday.