Nats place Detwiler on DL with oblique strain

By Bill Ladson

May 26, 2013

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have placed left-hander Ross Detwiler on the 15-day disabled list -- backdated to May 16 -- because of a right oblique strain, and recalled left-hander Xavier Cedeno. The Nationals still have to find a starter to replace Detwiler on Tuesday against the Orioles.

With bench coach Randy Knorr and athletic trainer Lee Kuntz observing, Detwiler was taking ground balls in front of the mound on Sunday morning, but he felt tightness in his oblique. After their 6-1 victory over the Phillies, manager Davey Johnson had a meeting with the team doctors and decided to put Detwiler on the DL.

"He went out and was doing some running. He was playing catch and was complaining. It's a lot better than what it was, but it's tight," Johnson said. "I talked to [Dr. Wiemi Douoguih] about it and he felt another week [out of action would be good]. He would probably be OK to make his next start on Sunday [against the Braves]."

Detwiler sustained tightness in his lower back on May 15 in the top of the third inning, during a sacrifice bunt that advanced Roger Bernadina to second base. Detwiler had problems running the bases. His back would get worse in the bottom of the inning.

It was believed that Detwiler hurt his back while catching a wide throw from shortstop Ian Desmond in the bottom of the third, but Detwiler said he felt fine.

Detwiler had problems throwing pitches after that, and pitching coach Steve McCatty, Kuntz and Johnson came to his aid. Detwiler stayed in and allowed a single to A.J. Ellis and walked Andre Ethier to load the bases. Detwiler got out of the inning and ended his outing when Scott Van Slyke lined out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

As for Cedeno, he will work out of the bullpen. The lefty played for Triple-A Syracuse and allowed one earned run in 10 2/3 innings, with 14 strikeouts. He started the season with the Astros before the Nationals selected him off waivers on April 23. In five games for Houston, Cedeno allowed eight runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashinNats.