Doug Fister reacts after demotion to bullpen

After struggling through most of the season as a starter, right-hander Doug Fister learned yesterday he'll spend the remainder of the season pitching out of the Nationals bullpen.

"It's not the most fun message to go across," Fister said. "But you've gotta have a positive outlook on it and stay with it. It's one of those situations where it's not something you want to do, but I'm here to help the team win. That's what it comes down to, that's the bottom line. What I need to do is go out there, pitch, execute and be better on the mound."

Fister, the seven-year veteran, was replaced in the starting rotation by rookie Joe Ross. The 22-year-old Ross has been impressive in his seven starts over two stints this season since making his major league debut June 6.

Meanwhile, after a dominant year in 2014, Fister has battled inconsistencies this season. He spent more than a month on the disabled list with a strained right flexor and is only 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA.

"I'm healthy," Fister said. "Early on in the year I had some trouble being healthy and I had some hiccups coming back from it. But it's what it is and we just gotta put that behind us and go out and play ball."

The 31-year-old Fister has been a full-time starter for his entire career, making only three appearances out of the bullpen. Before tonight's game with the Rockies at Nationals Park, manager Matt Williams discussed his plans for using Fister in relief situations.

"It depends when the opportunity arises," Williams said. "Ideally, we'd love to use him multiple innings because that's what he's used to. But you don't know going into a game what you need. But he's ready, he's ready to go. He's ready to pitch for us at whatever time we need him to pitch. It's gonna be an adjustment for him for sure but he's prepared for that. Through our conversations, he ready so we'll see how it plays out."

Fister, who is the final year of his contract, was asked about Williams' decision.

"As a manager, that's what he gets to play around with," Fister said. "We'll see what comes of it."

Williams revealed a bit behind his conversation with Fister.

"It's honesty with him and letting him know what we're thinking and what we want to do for the remainder of the season," Williams said. "It's not easy but he handles it with professionalism and told us he's ready to go whenever we need him. He is about winning baseball games and providing what he can to our team. If that's out of the bullpen, so be it. He's ready to pitch at any given day, at any time. That's the mark of a true pro."

So now begins what's likely to be Fister's final chapter with the Nationals.

"If the phone rings tonight and my name is called, I'll be ready," Fister said.