Source: Fedde to be promoted to Nationals this weekend

The Nationals are planning to promote right-hander Erick Fedde this weekend, putting their top pitching prospect on track to make his major league debut and perhaps give Stephen Strasburg more time to rest his arm.

Fedde's promotion from Triple-A Syracuse, confirmed by a source familiar with the club's decision, comes as the Nationals take a cautious approach with Strasburg's forearm. Though Strasburg has been able to throw on flat ground the last two days, the nerve impingement that caused his removal after two innings Sunday in Arizona is a big enough concern for the organization to consider bypassing his next start.

The Nationals already had lined up Fedde to pitch on the same day as Strasburg, having their young prospect throw a bullpen session Tuesday instead of one half of Syracuse's doubleheader. Manager Dusty Baker acknowledged this afternoon the 24-year-old was a candidate to start in place of Strasburg on Saturday against the Rockies.

"Certainly, he's an option," Baker said. "He was pressed into a relief role because out of need at the time. Now we are stretching him back out. He just happens to be on Strasburg's same day."

Joel Sherman of the New York Post was first to report Fedde's pending promotion.

A starter through the first two-plus seasons of his professional career, Fedde was moved to the bullpen earlier this year when the Nationals were desperate for relief help at the big league level. He moved back into Syracuse's rotation earlier this month, though, and has made three starts since, including five innings of two-run ball at Louisville last Wednesday.

The Nationals' first-round pick in 2014, Fedde was only days removed from Tommy John surgery when he was selected out of UNLV. He made his pro debut the following season and has since worked his way up the organizational ladder.

Even if Fedde takes Strasburg's turn in the rotation, it doesn't necessarily portend a lengthy absence for the veteran right-hander. Strasburg has gone through his typical between-starts throwing program the last two days and could easily slot back into the rotation in short order.

Strasburg himself noted after Sunday's abbreviated start that his priority right now is ensuring he's healthy and available to pitch at the end of the season (and postseason) after having his 2016 campaign come to an abrupt end in early September due to an elbow strain.

"That's good, because he's very conscious and aware of the past injuries that he's had," Baker said. "He's very self-conscious about that, which I don't blame him. That's positive to hear that he conveyed that to you."

If Strasburg rejoins the rotation after a short break, the Nationals could elect to have Fedde take over the No. 5 starter's job currently being held by journeyman Edwin Jackson, who was roughed up in Tuesday night's loss to Milwaukee.