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Where Does The Washington Nationals’ Rotation Rank In The NL East?

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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) reacts after retiring the Kansas City Royals in the 7th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) reacts after retiring the Kansas City Royals in the 7th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

When the Washington Nationals signed Max Scherzer last offseason, everyone thought he would put up some good numbers, but nobody thought he would threw two no-hitters and finish second in the National League in strikeouts (276). However, the rest of the rotation saw its fair share of struggles despite leading the NL in starters’ strikeouts (919).

Stephen Strasburg had a dominant finish to the season, but his first half was plagued by injuries. Jordan Zimmermann (now in Detroit) had his ERA go up a full run from 2014 (2.66 to 3.66) and Doug Fister (now in Houston) battled a forearm injury early in the year and was later demoted to the bullpen.

The Nats didn’t go out and add a prominent free agent starter this winter. Instead, they have inserted Tanner Roark back in the rotation as he tries to duplicate his 14-win season from 2014. Plus, the Nats could either go with second-year pitcher Joe Ross or Bronson Arroyo (on a minor league deal) as the fifth starter.

Scherzer should have another strong season, but the Nationals will need Stephen Strasburg to have a great season in the final year of his deal and for Gio Gonzalez to stay consistent. Gonzalez’s ERA has gone up each of the last four seasons. Another aspect to watch in this rotation is how many starts star prospect Lucas Giolito could make this season? The Nats don’t have the best rotation in the division, but there still is a good amount of talent there.

Next: Number One

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