Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Joe Ross Continues to Amaze; Denard Span Likely Done For The Year

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Ross Continues to be “Hidden Gem”

The biggest name in the three team trade in the offseason for the Nationals, and the name that’s generated the most buzz, has been Trea Turner. Turner is one of the top prospects in baseball, and with Ian Desmond set to leave via free agency following the end of the 2015 season, Turner stands to be a key piece of the Nationals future.

But for right now, the piece of the trade that’s made the biggest contribution has been the pitcher, Joe Ross.

In his first ten major league starts, Ross has a .500 record, but the truth is he’s actually pitched better than his win-loss numbers. After last night’s game, he’s got an ERA of 3.24, with a WHIP just barely above one, and a K/9 ratio of close to 9. The only reason his record doesn’t really reflect those numbers is due to his run support, which has averaged just over 3 runs per game.

Thursday night was no different. In spite of the fact that Ross was dealing to the Padres, allowing just a single run over six innings with two walks and seven strikeouts, the game was still in doubt. Until the home half of the sixth, the Nats held just a one-run advantage. Only solo shots by Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman gave the Nats a little breathing room.

Joe Ross has continued to prove his worth in the Nationals rotation, adding the arm they needed when Doug Fister collapsed and Tanner Roark was already confined to the bullpen. Now, the team just needs to figure out how to score runs when he’s on the mound. If they do that, who knows what Ross’ limit might be.

Next: Injury Bug Bites Again