Stiff back has Detwiler's next start in question

NEW YORK -- In a need of an extra pitcher, the Nationals recalled right-hander Erick Davis from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned outfielder Jeff Kobernus to Syracuse.

The move comes after it was learned that left-hander Ross Detwiler is dealing with a stiff back, which he suffered in Friday's 6-4 win over the Mets. Detwiler pitched five innings and didn't give any indication that something was wrong.

If Detwiler can't make his next start which is scheduled for Wednesday, right-hander Ross Ohlendorf will make the start, according to manager Davey Johnson. Ohlendorf also pitched in Friday's game and allowed a run in two innings against the Mets.

It marks the second time Detwiler has dealt with an injury this year. In May, Detwiler suffered a right oblique injury, which landed him on the disabled list for a few weeks.

"Hopefully, [the trainers] can do their magic in the trainer's room and he'll be able to do his [bullpen session]," Johnson said. "If he can't do his side, there is a chance he could miss a start. I will probably [use a starter] in-house, probably go with Ohlendorf. I also want to be careful on how I use Ohlendorf in the next couple of days."

As for Davis, he will make his second stint in with the club this season. In his first stint, Davis allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings. When he was sent back to Syracuse, he made it a point to improve his breaking pitches, especially the curveball.

"I learned what works, what doesn't work," Davis said. "By no means do I feel I worked everything out, but I went to Syracuse and worked on a few things, especially consistency with my breaking ball and my off-speed pitches. I was just learning to be myself out there every time out."

Davis found out his promotion at midnight on Saturday and hopped a plane from Syracuse to meet the team in New York that morning.