Davis optioned to make room for Detwiler

DENVER -- After five appearances, Erik Davis' first big league stint is over.

The Nationals optioned Davis, a right-handed reliever, to Triple-A Syracuse Thursday to free up a spot for Thursday's starter, Ross Detwiler, who returned from a nearly month-long stay on the disabled dist with an oblique issue.

Davis, 26, pitched 4 1/3 innings and was unscored upon in four of his five appearances. His only misstep came in his second appearance on June 5 against the Mets, when he gave up three earned runs in one inning.

"I thought the first time out he was very aggressive after the hitters, and then he started getting a little more cautious, full counts and high-pitch innings," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "But I think it was a good first experience up here for him. Got a good future."