Roark's versatility paying big dividends for on-call bullpen

Right-hander Tanner Roark has done it all out of the bullpen for the Nationals so far this season. After serving as a starting pitcher in 36 of the first 45 games of his career with the Nats, it is impressive that he hasn't missed a beat as a reliever.

He has made 10 appearances so far this season, finishing three games and recording his first major league save. His shortest outing was 1/3 inning, and his longest was 3 2/3 innings. His ERA is 3.00.

Roark has also made three appearances in a four-game span from May 3 to May 6. He said being used almost every day isn't as bad on his arm because he was used to going five-plus innings as a starter.

"I think it's a lot easier on my arm because I've started," Roark said. "Even in spring training, I was stretched out pretty far with 60 pitches. It's easier to bounce back but you still gotta get your work in and get your workouts in and still do all your arm care no matter how pitches you throw or how many innings you go."

On Wednesday, Roark came in against the Marlins in the eighth inning right after Giancarlo Stanto had crushed a momentum-swinging three-run shot to close the Nationals' lead to 7-5.

After a groundout, Roark allowed back-to-back singles. With two men on, he struck out Ichiro Suzuki. He struck out the man with 4,000 hits on a curveball blocked by catcher Wilson Ramos.

How did he get out of that jam?

"Execution of pitches," Roark said. "It was fastball away. Fastball in. He swung at it. (Then another fastball that was called a ball). Curveball down on the plate.

"Especially in that situation, with runners on first and second, I didn't want to leave it up or have him put it in play anyway. If he fouls it off or takes that pitch, then I have him set up for the next pitch.

"That's not ideal, obviously. Got through it, worked through it and had to pitch."

Roark also is not afraid of pitching for the save or coming in as he did in a critical eighth-inning matchup after the Marlins got back into the game.

"I don't mind it," Roark said. "I mean there's no set roles still. I feel comfortable coming in for long relief if I need to, 2/3 of an inning, a save. I'm happy to be out there. I love competing."

How does the eighth inning feel compared to other calls?

"It's amplified," Roark said. "There's a lot more adrenaline going through, especially in crucial parts of the game and if it's a close game. The biggest thing is I think it's helped me out a lot with making sure I'm not just throwing pitches up there, but executing them and making sure I'm executing them.

"I like it. Of course, I love the pressure."

Manager Matt Williams has found the versatility he needs from his bullpen in Roark. Similar to Craig Stammen, Roark's stuff can play as a starter, reliever, setup man or even as a closer.

"The good thing about the last road trip and this homestand so far is we've got Tanner in some spots, some different spots where he can work, those leverage-tough seventh, eighth innings (where) he can pitch," Williams said. "That helps because you don't have to go to the same guys every day depending on how much they've been used. It's good. Guys are stepping into different roles and accomplishing different things."

Note: Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez pitches today for high Single-A Potomac in Game 1 of a doubleheader against Wilmington. Reliever Casey Janssen (shoulder inflammation) will start his rehab assignment in Game 2 then be relieved by starter Nick Pivetta. Right-hander Lucas Giolito , the Nats' top pitching prospect, makes his Carolina League debut Friday night against Frederick.