FREDERICK, Md. — Ross Detwiler’s area debut has been delayed.
The Washington Nationals’ first-round pick and sixth overall pick in the June draft was supposed to make his Class A debut for the Potomac Nationals last night in Frederick. Instead, intense storms forced the game to be postponed.
The 21-year-old left-hander from Missouri State will pitch his first game for Potomac tonight when the Nationals open a homestand against Winston-Salem at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Va.
“I was excited to go,” said Detwiler, who shrugged off the setback. “It happens every year to everybody. I just have to wait another day.”
Nationals officials have suggested that the 6-foot-5, 180-pounder could be called up to the major leagues before the end of the season. And the left-hander from St. Louis is expected to be a top of the rotation starter in the near future.
Detwiler did have an impressive, short stint with the Nationals’ rookie league team in Viera, Fla. before being promoted. He had a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings with 15 strikeouts and three walks. Detwiler did not allow a run in three of his four outings in the Gulf Coast League.
In his final outing in the GCL, Detwiler pitched four scoreless innings against Los Angeles Dodgers farmhands, striking out five while allowing two hits and two walks.
— Jon Siegel
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