Ross brothers to start in Padres-Nats series

WASHINGTON -- On June 6, Padres pitcher Tyson Ross made a whirlwind one-day trip from Cincinnati to Nationals Park to see his younger brother, Joe Ross, make his Major League debut for the Nationals.

He won't have to go nearly as far Thursday to see him take the mound.

On Tuesday, the Nationals made a change to their pitching rotation, ensuring that Joe Ross would pitch in the series finale against the Padres -- one day after Tyson Ross pitches against Washington.

"We knew there was a possibility we could match up and face each other … but I think it's pretty cool we are throwing in back-to-back days like this," Tyson Ross said before Tuesday's series opener.

"It's going to be exciting. I know my parents are going to be excited about it. How often do you get to see both your boys throw on back-to-back nights?

On June 6, Tyson Ross caught an early morning flight to Washington after making a start in Cincinnati. He landed, took a "power nap" and headed to the ballpark for Joe's debut.

Joe Ross, 22, was obtained by the Nationals from the Padres in December.

For Joe Ross' debut, Tyson sat with his girlfriend and his family behind the plate at Nationals Park as Joe allowed three runs in five innings in a loss to the Cubs.

Video: CHC@WSH: Ross strikes out four in MLB debut

Tyson Ross, 28, then hopped a flight back to Cincinnati, where he arrived at Great American Ballpark just as his teammates were leaving after a 9-7 win over the Reds.

On Thursday, though, Tyson Ross will watch his brother from the visitors' dugout. Will there be times when he feels slightly tormented, feeling the weight of family versus team?

"I've got my brother on the mound and my brother from another mother in [Thursday's starting pitcher for the Padres, Andrew Cashner], it's going to be fun to watch. It's going to be a pretty unique experience," Tyson Ross said.

"I'm pretty fortunate to see his debut and see him Thursday."

If Tyson Ross had any regrets it was that he and Joe don't get to face each other on the same day -- mostly because he wants the chance to take some hacks at the plate against his brother.

"Hopefully that will happen at some point in the future," he said. "At some point I'd like to get an at-bat off him. That will be the ultimate bragging rights at Thanksgiving and Christmas for years to come if that matchup happens."