Roark Pitches Two Scoreless In Debut

Tanner Roark, the rookie long reliever recently called up from Triple A Syracuse, pitched two scoreless innings against the Braves in relief of Jordan Zimmermann.

February 20, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark (59) poses for photo day at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

After Zimmermann yielded two runs and seven hits in the first four innings, he was pulled for Roark to start the fifth. He pitched a perfect fifth, but gave up his first MLB hit to B.J. Upton to lead off the sixth. He made up for his mistake by starting a nifty double play: catching a bunt popup from Kris Medlen and getting Upton at first base.

Roark was added to the 40-man and called up to the majors yesterday, with Ross Detwiler being placed on the 60-day DL and LHP Xavier Cedeno being optioned to Syracuse as corresponding moves. The Nats received Roark, along with fellow reliever Ryan Tatsuko, from the Texas Rangers for shortstop Cristian Guzman in 2010. The 26-year-old had a 3.15 ERA in 33 appearances, 11 starts, for the Chiefs this season.