Prospect Giolito resting due to innings limit

By Bill Ladson and Daniel Popper

May 28, 2014

WASHINGTON -- Lucas Giolito, the Nationals' top prospect, hasn't pitched since May 11. General manager Mike Rizzo insisted that nothing is wrong with the right-hander. He is on an innings limit and is resting his arm. However, he is working in between starts.

Nationals pitchers are usually on an innings limit after having Tommy John surgery. Giolito had the procedure done in 2012 and returned late last season.

"This is part of his developmental program," Rizzo said. "He is doing what pitchers do in between starts. He is on an innings limit, but we want him to get through an entire season -- to feel what it's like to pitch at the end of August.

Giolito is off to a good start for Class A Hagerstown, going 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also can be found on Twitter @WashingNats. Daniel Popper is an associate reporter for MLB.com. He also can be found on Twitter @danielrpopper.