Detwiler on track for Thursday start vs. Rockies

DENVER -- Another piece of the Nationals' starting rotation will be back on the mound Thursday, as Ross Detwiler is on track to make the start in the series finale against the Rockies.

Detwiler's last start came May 15, when he left after three innings against the Dodgers with an oblique strain and the Nationals later placed him on the 15-day disabled list. The southpaw had a rehab start with Class A Potomac Saturday, giving up one earned run and striking out four in 3 2/3 innings.

"I don't think he's had any problems since we sent him down to Potomac," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "He'll be good to go for Thursday."

In eight starts this year, Detwiler has a 2.76 ERA and 2-4 record. With Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg both set to return before the start of next week, the Nationals should once again have one of the more talented starting rotations in the National League.

"It will be nice when it happens," Johnson said. "Getting close to ready to go, so that will be good."