Milone to bullpen tonight, Rodriguez to start against Marlins

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

August 18, 2018, 6:52am

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The Nationals announced late morning that right-hander Jefry Rodriguez will start tonight against the Miami Marlins instead of left-hander Tommy Milone.

This will be Rodriguez's fifth start and seventh appearance this season with the Nats. He is 1-1 with a 5.84 ERA. His last start was August 7 against the Braves. Rodriguez went five innings, allowing one run one three hits with one walk and three strikeouts earning his first major league win.

It does not appear that anything is wrong with scheduled starter Tommy Milone, but manager Davey Martinez may like the matchup better with Rodriguez starting and Milone available out of the bullpen. Milone is 1-1 in four starts with a 5.24 ERA. The southpaw allowed two runs in 4 1/3 innings August 13 at St. Louis, but has now given up 20 hits and nine runs in his last two outings.

The Nationals did not announce the corresponding move yet, but it is likely Jeremy Hellickson to the disabled list with a sprained right wrist.