ST. PETERSBURG – The Nationals changed their pitching plans on Friday night when scheduled starter Cade Cavalli came down with food poisoning. In Cavalli's place, left-hander PJ Poulin was scheduled to be the opener against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Nationals manager Blake Butera said Cavalli was “feeling a little bit better.’’ Barring a setback, Butera said Cavalli will start on Saturday afternoon against Tampa Bay.
Butera, the former senior director of player development with the Rays, was asked about the irony of using an opener against his former team, which is known for inventing that pitching innovation.
“It’s hard not to [realize that irony],’’ Butera said with a smile.