Washington Nationals News: Joe Ross progressing, Reynaldo Lopez set for Futures Game
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily has an update on injured Washington Nationals right-hander Joe Ross and more on Reynaldo Lopez pitching in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game tonight.
Good afternoon DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes has an update on injured starter Joe Ross, who has been on the disabled list since July 3 with right shoulder inflammation.
According to Janes, pitching coach Mike Maddux says the inflammation is gone. The 23-year-old right-hander threw on flat ground yesterday afternoon, and the team expects him to throw a bullpen session during the All-Star break this week.
Here’s what Maddux had to say about Ross, via Janes’ article:
"“I think rest was what he needed. Abstinence from throwing,” Maddux said. “He’s done that. It’s free and easy right now. He is taking some baby steps to get him back. We’ll stretch him out a little bit more tomorrow, then hopefully get him a bullpen over the break.”"
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses Nationals prospect Reynaldo Lopez pitching in tonight’s SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game — the first event of this week’s All-Star break in San Diego.
As Ladson writes, Lopez has been tearing it up in the minors this season. In 87 1/3 innings with Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse, Lopez has a combined 109 strikeouts. Tonight, he has a chance to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in the minors.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Joe Ross progressing, expected to throw bullpen session soon
(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)
NEW YORK — Joe Ross threw against a backdrop of crossed arms Saturday afternoon, in front of a line of supervision that included pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dan Firova and a trainer. Maddux paced around the 23-year-old right hander as he threw, suggesting an adjustment here and there. Ross was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation July 3. Maddux said the inflammation is gone.
“I think rest was what he needed. Abstinence from throwing,” Maddux said. “He’s done that. It’s free and easy right now. He is taking some baby steps to get him back. We’ll stretch him out a little bit more tomorrow, then hopefully get him a bullpen over the break.” Read full article here.
Lopez brings dominating stuff to Futures Game
NEW YORK — Domination is the best way to describe right-hander Reynaldo Lopez’s performance this season. Check out these numbers: In 16 starts, Lopez, the Nationals’No. 5 prospect, has a combined 109 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings with a 3.19 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse.
Lopez could be on the fast track to the big leagues. While the Nationals see him as a starter long term, he could be a perfect fit in the bullpen later this season.
Next: Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 6-1 Win Over Mets
Lopez will take his talents to the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on Sunday at Petco Park. The game will be live on MLB Network and MLB.com at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Read full article here.