Joe Ross is back, and Williams says he will stay until Strasburg is healthy

There is something to be said for a rookie pitcher who is called up and told to jump right on the mound for a crucial start for the big club.

Right-hander Joe Ross certainly looked the part in his initial start with the Nationals on June 6 against the Cubs. In that game, he went five innings, allowed six hits and only three runs with no walks and four strikeouts. He took the loss that day, but showed poise beyond his 22 years.

And tonight, just like in that first game in early June, he comes right back up with no preparation time in D.C. and is asked to start in a big divisional matchup against Jacob deGrom and the Mets.

Nationals manager Matt Williams confirmed that Ross is here to stay and will start every fifth day until Stephen Strasburg (left oblique strain) returns from the disabled list.

"Yeah, I think that's our plan," Williams confirmed. "There's adjustments that could be made depending on how we get through series or whether we need potentially at some point to push somebody or whatever but he's ready to go."

Ross didn't miss a beat after being sent back to the minors after his June 19 start against the Pirates. He went 3-1 in five starts for Triple-A Syracuse and his ERA dropped to 2.19.

"The reports were good," Williams said. "Focused. Pounding the strike zone like he did when he was here. Limited innings, the concern for Joe is last year he was 120 innings and starting the whole season that inning count can get up there pretty quickly. He has pitched well and I know he's eager to get back and give it another go here."

The Mets will get their first look against Ross in a live game tonight, and that isn't an easy task for them either.

"Well, if you don't know somebody and you haven't stepped in the box, video is from the other side, off angle, and you can't get a real true read of what the ball is doing when it leaves his hand," Williams said.

"From a hitter's perspective, you do what you do. Look for a pitch that you can hit. They'll know exactly what he throws. The video is there. What pitches he features. How quick he is to the plate, all of those things. But when you step in the box, you got to do what you do well. Look for a pitch you can handle."

Williams has said since Ross was up with the club that he looks like belongs and "acts like he's been here before." Ross credited older brother Tyson Ross of the Padres for one of the reasons he has so much confidence.

"Joe's done nothing but prove that he can pitch at this level," Williams said. "So he'll give it another go tonight and again in five days."