Nationals top right-handed pitching prospect Lucas Giolito is not injured, despite not pitching since May 11.
The low Single-A Hagerstown Suns starter is having his innings managed, according to a team source.
Giolito has racked up 32 1/3 innings in seven starts this season and has pitched well. Giolito is 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 14 walks.
In his last start on May 11 versus Kannapolis, Giolito went six innings, allowing only one hit, no runs and one walk while striking out seven hitters.
But last season, he twirled only 36 2/3 combined innings, and he did have Tommy John surgery in late August 2012, not even two years ago.
The Nationals want to be very cautious with their top pitching prospect.
The Suns' media notes list the pitcher for May 26 at Delmarva as to be decided. That is the next possible slot where Giolito could return to the mound. But Giolito will not pitch the rest of this week, according to the source.
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