Takeaways from Fister's first Nats start

OAKLAND - OK, so Doug Fister's first start as a National didn't go as he had hoped. Pitching for his new team, trying to make a positive first impression, with some California-area friends and family members in attendance, Fister allowed seven runs (five earned) on nine hits, and made a throwing error that led to a first-inning run. Again, not exactly how Fister would have drawn it up. But there are a few factors that fans should consider when looking at Fister's Nationals debut. One, Fister came out of the outing feeling good health-wise. That's the most important thing when looking at yesterday from a big-picture perspective. After having two injury issues in spring training and missing the first six weeks of the season with a strained right lat, Fister didn't have any setbacks last night, at least none that we're aware of at this point. "Physically, I felt fine," Fister said. "I felt like I was in the right place." Two, yesterday was essentially opening day for Fister. The last six weeks of rehab were his spring training, and yesterday was his first outing of the season. No need to get too caught up on one start, plus you have to factor in the rust and excitement that can come with a regular season debut. Fister said afterwards that there weren't any first-start jitters, per se, but that he just didn't get the job done. "I was excited for it tonight," he said. "No more than normal. Went out there and prepared the same way, warmed up in the bullpen like I always do and everything felt good. Going into the game, working on certain pitches, trying to keep it down in the zone. But didn't do that very well tonight and they got quite a few hits off of me." Three, Fister was pitching on six days' rest, as compared to the typical four. Lots of starters have trouble adjusting to extra rest, and sinkerballers especially can have issue with feeling too rested, because when their arm is too fresh, they tend to throw through the sink of their two-seam fastball. In essence, their sinker can tend to flatten out when they're working on extra rest. Manager Matt Williams said that he thought the extra rest was a factor, but Fister declined to make any excuses. "I don't feel like it was," Fister said. "No matter what day you pitch it's a matter of going out there and executing. Whether you're a little sore or feeling great, you just gotta make the adjustment, and I didn't make the adjustment tonight." Fister was obviously disappointed in his outing last night, but he knows many more are coming. "The game of baseball is pretty difficult when it comes to ups and downs. It's a matter of trying to stay as even keel as possible." Fister said. "Kinda forget about it tonight and make sure that tomorrow is a new day. Obviously make the adjustment, know what I need to work on tomorrow and do that. ... "Lack of execution. I failed tonight. And didn't go out there and get the job done." It's still incredibly early. Fister has a proven track record and is still building into his 2014 season. And the Nats feel plenty confident that he'll be a tremendous No. 4 starter for them this year.