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Joe Ross looks to get back on track as Washington Nationals face Jose Fernandez, Marlins

By Pablo Roa

May 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) throws to the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) throws to the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals right-hander Joe Ross looks to snap out of a mini-slump that has led to an 0-3 record in the month of May.

While the Washington Nationals enter tonight’s game against the Marlins looking to extend their current three-game winning streak, starter Joe Ross will be looking to end a personal three-game losing streak.

Ross started the season in dominant fashion, posting a 0.79 ERA and picking up three wins during four starts in April. The young right-hander had a WHIP of 0.97 during the first month of the season, and opposing hitters were batting just .195 against him.

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It was the first time in his career that Ross made the starting rotation out of Spring Training, and during the month of April, he showed that he can be as good as any big league starter when he’s on his game. This month, however, Ross has struggled a bit.

While he hasn’t been bad, Ross is 0-3 in the month of May. His WHIP in May is up to 1.42, and opponents are batting .274 against him this month. After allowing just two runs in four April starts, Ross has already allowed 12 runs in just three starts this month. His ERA for the month is up to 4.91, and his overall ERA has jumped up nearly two runs to 2.63.

While his overall numbers are still impressive — his 2.63 ERA is the second best among Nationals starters — he hasn’t looked as dominant in May as he looked during the first month of the season.

Fortunately for Ross, he could turn things around in today’s start against the Marlins. The Marlins hit him hard in his last start, when he gave up five runs (three earned) over 5 2/3 innings.

Overall, Ross has been very successful against the Marlins. While he struggled in his last start against the Fish, the young right-hander is 1-1 with an impressive 2.20 ERA in five career starts against Miami.

Tonight, Ross will likely have to be at his best if the Nationals want to secure a series win over the Marlins. The team will be up against one of the best starters in the game in Jose Fernandez, and runs will most likely be hard to come by.

For Ross, the 2016 season is an opportunity to prove that he belongs in the rotation and that he has what it takes to be an elite starter at the big league level. So far, he’s off to a good start.

Next: Washington Nationals'Ben Revere slowly improving at the plate

And if he can end the mini-slump that has slowed him down in the month of May and return to the dominant form we saw in April, there’s no telling what Ross can do for the Nationals this season.

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