Washington Nationals: 5 candidates to fill final rotation spot
By Drew Douglas
With Joe Ross set to possibly miss all of 2018, the Washington Nationals have a hole in their rotation. Here are five possible candidates to fill that hole.
The Washington Nationals starting pitching depth took a big hit when Joe Ross‘ torn UCL required season-ending Tommy John surgery in July. In addition to missing the rest of the 2017 season, Ross may have to miss all of 2018. If he pitches at all in 2018, it will likely just be as a September call-up.
When Ross went down, Edwin Jackson received an opportunity to step up and fill the hole. While he had his moments, he was largely unsuccessful and cannot be the Nats’ fifth starter in 2018.
After taking a look at the Nats’ farm system, there are a couple pitchers who could conceivably fill the hole, but they are more likely to seek to acquire a starting pitcher.
If the Nats elect to sign a free agent to fill the hole in the rotation, there will be several great candidates. To name a few, former All-Stars such as Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, Lance Lynn, and Michael Pineda are all pending free agents.
If the Nats elect to try their hand in the trade market, Mike Rizzo is one of the best general managers in the league. He has made several phenomenal trades, including one to acquire Ross, and could definitely make another one.
However the Nats decide to do it, they must fill the hole in their starting rotation. Without further ado, here are five candidates to do just that.