WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Joe Ross gave up two runs on four hits in three innings in a 6-5 split-squad victory over the Mets on Monday afternoon -- his first start of the spring after five relief appearances. The Nats have continued to monitor Ross’ innings entering this season after he underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2017.

Though Ross returned to pitch last September, the club has been cautious with his workload this spring. Ross threw 7 2/3 innings over his first five appearances, giving up two runs (one earned) with seven strikeouts and three walks. Despite the bullpen workload, the Nationals have been consistent that they still view Ross as a starting pitcher.

“We’re also thinking about Joe and what’s best for him,” manager Dave Martinez said. "It’s hard saying because of his injury, but I really still believe he can start, and it will be nice if we can get him a little bit stretched out and see where we’re at."

With the club poised to use Jeremy Hellickson -- who has pitched well this spring 1.29 ERA in four starts -- as its fifth starter, Ross and Erick Fedde seem destined to start the season at Triple-A Fresno. The Nats started the spring wanting them both stretched out as starting pitchers in case of an injury.

But while Fedde has made a pair of starts already, Ross had not started building up his workload until Monday afternoon. There has been talk about moving Ross to the bullpen in the past because he relies so heavily on just two pitches, his fastball and slider, although he threw his changeup more frequently last September. As tempting as his profile as reliever might be, the issue, according to Martinez, with converting him to the bullpen is how frequently he would be available.

“If he’s going to pitch in the bullpen then he needs to pitch,” Martinez said. “I don’t want him just to be a guy that goes out there and throws two innings one day and you can’t use him for two to three days.”

First inning strikes Corbin again

Patrick Corbin has given up seven runs in the first inning of his five Grapefruit League outings, including a pair of runs in Monday’s 7-1 loss to the Marlins at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Corbin was not concerned with this trend following his latest outing, in which he allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits over five innings.

“You obviously want good results and good numbers, but I’m happy with how I’m feeling,” Corbin said. “I feel like I’m getting stronger and stronger and ready to take on the season.”

Latest cuts

The Nationals made their latest round of cuts following Monday’s split-squad games, optioning right-handers Austin Voth, Jimmy Cordero, Kyle McGowin and Tanner Rainey to Triple-A Fresno and reassigning right-hander JJ Hoover and outfielder Hunter Jones to Minor League camp.

Up next

The Nationals visit the division-rival Braves, on Tuesday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. ET at Champion Stadium, with Anibal Sanchez squaring off against his former team. This will be his fourth Grapefruit League appearance of the spring, after throwing in a Minor League game in his last start.