Tightness in Doug Fister's forearm forces a trip to the 15-day DL

SAN DIEGO - The Nationals are no strangers to adversity this year. Infielder Anthony Rendon has yet to take the field because of a left knee sprain, and veterans Denard Span and Jayson Werth both have missed time after having the start of their year's delayed due to offseason surgeries. But other than right-hander Casey Janssen's shoulder tendinitis and rookie reliever Felipe River's stomach ulcer, no pitcher had spent any time on the 15-day disabled list until starter Doug Fister found his way there today with right forearm tightness.

The 31-year old flew back to Washington this afternoon to meet with Dr. Wiemi Douoguih, the Nationals' orthopedist.

Fister allowed seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in the first two innings before exiting last night after only 41 pitches.

"He came to us after the second inning and said, "It's starting to get tight.' At the point in the game, we don't to take a chance and push him," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "So we decided that he needs to get back and see the doc and get some tests on it."

Despite missing the first month of last season with a right lat strain, Fister went on to lead all Nats starters in wins (16) and ERA (2.41).

It's been a slower start for Fister this year, as he has allowed five homers in 39 2/3 innings en route to a 2-2 record with a 4.31 ERA.

Needing another arm, the Nats chose to recall rookie A.J. Cole from Triple-A Syracuse. He 23-year-old right-hander was shelled in his major league debut on April 28 in Atlanta. He lasted just two innings after giving up nine runs on nine hits.

"He didn't throw it where he wanted to his first time, but that's not atypical of guys who make their first appearance in the big leagues whether offensively or on the mound or whatever it is," Williams said. "He feels good. He's been throwing good, so we're glad to have him back in a situation where he can help us."

Cole is 0-1 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts at Syracuse this season.

The Nationals don't necessarily have to place Cole in the rotation. Upcoming off-days on Monday and Thursday allow their starters enough rest.

"If we need it, we have options to do strictly a bullpen day with Tanner (Roark), with Blake (Treinen), with Sammy (Solis)," Williams said. "We have those options, too. Or we can have A.J. start or we can use the off-days in that regard, as well. It's up in the air right now. Nothing has been determined."