Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg was pulled after four rough innings Sunday against the Marlins with discomfort in his upper back, and now the issue is going to cost him his next rotation turn.
Tanner Roark will be recalled from High-A Potomac to pitch in place of Strasburg Friday against the Braves, per CSNWashington.com’s Mark Zuckerman. Strasburg has been able to play catch the last two days without issue, but the Nationals want to see him pitch off a mound before they clear him to return and he won’t do that until Thursday.
Strasburg could pitch at some point this weekend versus Atlanta if the mound workout does go well.
Washington entered play Wednesday with a 6 1/2 game deficit in the National League East standings.
A four-game weekend set with the 54-79 Braves should provide an opportunity to gain some ground.