Ross on simulated game: "It's a pretty big step" (Nats win 3-2)

Sporting a beard and longer hair, right-hander Joe Ross returned to Nats Park to throw a bullpen session and then a 25-pitch simulated game to live hitters.

Manager Davey Martinez said he was "tickled" at how good Ross looked, and that the slider looked strong. Martinez believes the Nationals could get Ross back on the mound before the season is completed.

"What I've seen today, he looked really good," Martinez said. "Who knows what will happen down the road, but if he continues to progress like he is, if we need somebody and he's ready, I could see him pitching here, absolutely."

Ross said just getting on the mound again and facing live hitters is significant as he recovers from Tommy John surgery conducted in July 2017. He flashed that patented smile when asked what it felt like to be back.

"Yeah, it's a pretty big step," Ross said. "I'm excited just to face batters again. There's a big difference between that and the bullpen. Kind of get extra competitiveness going. I'm excited to face these guys especially and see some hitters. I'm excited to get back."

Ross said it was hard to just take it easy and methodically pitching today because he was that excited to get back on the bump of his home field.

"I felt like I did not taper back like I said I should have," Ross smiled. "Just rushing a little bit with my mechanics. Other than that, I felt pretty good. Ball was coming out well, off-speed felt pretty good for my second time facing batters, so can't really complain."

Ross has not been with most of his teammates now for several months, toiling in West Palm Beach, Fla., at the Nationals training facility, strengthening his arm for the opportunity to return. As with all Tommy John surgery recoveries, there are a lot of lonely and isolated days and nights where all you do is work and rehab, in stark contrast from last season when he rehabbed at Nats Park. He admitted it has been tough being out for so long.

"Just different for me. Being on the sideline watching, especially last year I got to be here in the clubhouse and now I'm down in Florida," Ross said. "Kind of a different scene for me. But just working hard, knowing I get to join the team hopefully at the end of the season.

"(You) kind of have to know what your end goal is. We've had a couple guys unfortunately come down. But seeing them is a small pick-me-up. They are waiting for me to get back. Mentally it is tough, but you got to grind it out, hopefully be back soon."

The end goal is to pitch in a major league game this season for the Nats. He said he would prefer to start, but if it means being reliever, he is all-in.

"Just to pitch in general. I would obviously like to start, but we have a pretty good staff," Ross said. "Wherever I could fit in, especially September, hopefully with the expanded roster. As long as I can hopefully get out there and throw some innings, I'll be happy. That's really what I'm looking towards."

Next step is more bullpen sessions, but no word when he might get some minor league rehab starts or time with the Nats.

"I am sure I've got more live BPs coming up, more pitches, just keep working, trying to get the arm strength up, just work on that command and finishing pitches," Ross said.

Oh, and he said the beard is gone and a haircut soon after that.

Update: The Marlins scored first in the top of the third on a RBI double from Starlin Castro. Gio Gonzalez struck out J.T. Realmuto for the second time in as many at-bats to end the inning. The Nats have singles from Wilmer Difo in the second inning and Trea Turner in the third against Marlins starter Dan Straily, but have yet to plate a run. Turner was cut down at second base attempting a steal to end the third.

Three complete at Nats Park, the Marlins lead the Nats 1-0.

Update II: The Nats took the lead in the bottom of the fourth on run-scoring singles by Adam Eaton and Difo.

After four, the Nats lead the Marlins 2-1.

Update III: Marlins put together three singles in a row in the fifth against Gonzalez. With one out, Martin Prado was walked to score Castro. But Gonzalez struck out Justin Bour and Garrett Cooper to end the frame. Gonzalez has allowed seven hits in the last three innings, but only two runs.

Mid-fifth, the Nats and the Marlins are tied, 2-2.

Update IV: The final line for Gonzalez: five innings, eight hits, two runs (both earned), four walks and four strikeouts. He threw 114 pitches (which matched his season-high for the third time), 66 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Nats and the Marlins still even, 2-2.

Update V: Mark Reynolds hit a pinch-hit walk-off solo homer, his second career walk-off winner and first since June 26, 2016 against Arizona.

Final score: Nats 3, Marlins 2.