Washington Nationals: 5 to watch at home versus Atlanta
By Ron Juckett
JOE ROSS
Which Joe Ross will we see? The one who left the mound in Oakland lost and confused or the one who owned the Baltimore Orioles five days later.
The fun of being the fifth starter.
In Ross’ masterpiece last Thursday, he tossed 11 more pitches than he did against the Athletics. Last Saturday, he retired nine on 82 pitches. Five days later, he pitched into the eighth on 93.
Against the Braves, six innings and in position to win is the wish. Durability and fastball velocity are real issues. What he did against the Orioles that worked was put biting movement on his stuff. Ross had 17 swinging strikes Thursday, a season high.
When he first came up from Triple-A Syracuse, Ross started in Atlanta and pitched well. Scattering six hits and three runs over seven innings, he fanned seven with one walk. More importantly, he threw 100 pitches.
With the bullpen teetering again, it is vital Ross go as deep as possible. After the Braves series finishes, Washington faces the Mets for the first time this year in Queens. The pen cannot get overtaxed beforehand.
Whatever approach Ross used for Baltimore, use it again. That was beautiful to watch.