Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Should Doug Fister’s Rotation Spot Be In Jeopardy?

Aug 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Doug Fister (33) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo (left) during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Should Doug Fister’s Rotation Spot Be In Jeopardy?

In the final year of his deal, Doug Fister has had a horrible season. So far, in 86 innings this year, he has given up a total of 44 runs. Those 44 runs were the same number of runs he gave up in 164 innings last season.

After giving up two runs on four hits in six innings of work against the Marlins on July 29, Fister fell victim to the long ball last night. It started in the third inning when Nick Ahmed (who went 4-for-4 last night) hit a 3-1 fastball over the wall in left center for a solo home run to put Arizona on the board.

Just like Jordan Zimmermann Sunday night at Citi Field, Fister was the latest pitcher to give up back-to-back home runs. David Peralta’s two run homer over the glove of Michael Taylor in center and Welington Castillo’s solo shot to left in the fourth quickly put Arizona ahead 4-0.

Despite giving up the five runs over six innings, Fister did not walk a single batter, had six strikeouts (which ties a season-high), and threw 111 pitches (72 strikes). However, the 31-year-old right-hander has been bad since the All-Star Break. In four starts, he is 1-3 with a 6.14 ERA and opponents are hitting .337 against him.

With Fister’s recent struggles, the Nationals might have a tough decision coming up. With Stephen Strasburg getting closer to returning and Joe Ross pitching well in his second stint with the big league club, do the Nats put Fister in the bullpen, even though he does the same things as a Tanner Roark?

It doesn’t look like the Nationals will do that, but with every game being so crucial down the stretch, Fister can’t keep going out there and giving up home runs in bunches.

Next: Nats Miss Scoring Chance In 4th