Ross on rehab assignment, Giolito likely Sunday starter

The Nationals announced that right-hander Joe Ross (right shoulder inflammation, July 3) will make a rehab start Sunday afternoon for Triple-A Syracuse as they host Pawtucket at 1:05 p.m.

That starting slot at the Triple-A level had recently been occupied by right-hander Lucas Giolito. But Giolito is expected to be the Nats starter on Sunday in the series finale against the Rockies, although no official announcement has been made by the club. Manager Dusty Baker said they will give out that information after today's game against the Colorado Rockies.

With the minor league season coming to an end Sept. 5, do the Nationals believe they have enough rehab starts in that timeframe to ramp Ross back up to be starter ready?

There are other solutions. They can get Ross to Florida for a simulated game if they needed to, or do it here in D.C. They could put him in the bullpen, which also might be an idea for the postseason to reinforce the relieving corps.

"I don't know," Baker said. "That's a question we are trying to answer now. And if not, then hopefully in the playoffs be on the team and help us out of the bullpen. Usually, you're only carrying three starters on the team generally during the playoffs. If he was No. 4 or whoever else, it makes for a better bullpen. I have hopes that he can make it back to at least that point."

If Ross makes the start and does well tomorrow for Syracuse, he could then be penciled in for one final regular season start for the Chiefs next Friday, Sept. 2, at Pawtucket.

That brings us to Giolito, who has started to back into a nice groove the last few starts for the Triple-A Chiefs. In his last start on Aug. 23, he was held to just one inning because of his potential call-up.

But Aug. 17 against Toledo, Giolito went seven innings and allowed one run on seven hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts. He has surrendered two runs in his last 15 innings of work.

With the Nationals, the 22-year-old Giolito is 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts over 11 innings. He has allowed 12 hits, nine walks and struck out five. His last major league start was July 24 against the Padres, when he allowed four runs (two earned) over 3 1/3 innings with three walks and no strikeouts.