WASHINGTON -- The Nationals are still unsure if right-hander Joe Ross will make his next start, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday night against the Marlins, after a blister on his right middle finger prematurely ended his last start.
Washington has an off-day Monday, so if Ross is unable to pitch the Nationals would be able to skip him in the rotation and still have all of their starters on regular rest. That would put Max Scherzer in line to start Tuesday night.
"But I don't want to get ahead of myself," manager Dusty Baker said. "We'll see."
Ross was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday afternoon, but rainy conditions prior to the game might have prevented it. Baker was surprised to see Ross playing catch in the outfield the day before considering the condition of his finger, which he said looked like an open wound.
"It looks ugly," Baker said of the blister. "And I don't know if he can throw a full game like that."
Ross exited his last start after two scoreless innings on Wednesday against the Marlins. He has an impressive 0.54 ERA through 16 2/3 innings this season.