WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Joe Ross, who is battling a blister on his right-middle finger, will be skipped through this turn of the rotation, the Nationals announced Sunday. Right-hander Max Scherzer will start instead on Tuesday night against the Phillies.
Washington does not consider the blister for Ross to be a serious issue, and he was out playing long toss on Sunday afternoon. But the team decided to use caution, considering the blister hindered his ability to throw a slider and forced Ross to exit his last start Wednesday night in Miami after two innings.
With an off-day Monday, the Nationals are able to skip Ross and keep the rest of their rotation on normal rest. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez and right-hander Tanner Roark will start Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.