Since Doug Fister was placed on the 15-day disabled list last week with a strained flexor muscle in his right arm, the Washington Nationals have been in need of a fifth starter. On Friday afternoon, manager Matt Williams indicated that spot likely will be filled by Tanner Roark.
Williams said Roark faced live hitters Friday and is in line to start for the Nationals either Monday or Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, depending on whether he is needed to pitch in this weekend’s series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The anticipated start would be a welcome homecoming for Roark, a Wilmington, Illinois native and University of Illinois product. He could make multiple starts over the next several weeks depending on the progress of Fister, who has yet to play catch and faces a substantial rehabilitation process.
“The longer Doug goes without throwing, the more he’s going to have to build,” Williams said. “I think it depends on where Doug’s at. But we have to have a starter on one of those days, so we can’t argue with a [15]-game winner. So he’s going to get that turn.”
Roark was arguably Washington’s most consistent starter last season, posting a 2.85 ERA in 31 starts. He was moved to the bullpen for the National League Division Series, and remained there when the team signed marquee free agent Max Scherzer to a seven-year, $210 million contract this winter.
So far this season, Roark has pitched 20 1/3 innings over 13 appearances with a 2.66 ERA. He has thrown 50 pitches or more in two relief appearances this season, and Williams said the team is comfortable with him throwing roughly 70 in his start.
“I think Tanner has been the ultimate warrior this year in that he’s just done whatever we’ve asked him to do, without comment, without complaint, without any change of attitude,” Williams said. “He’s taken the ball when he’s been asked to take the ball. And he’ll do the same when he gets his start.”
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Rendon progressing, albeit slowly
Anthony Rendon took 40 grounders Friday and faced live pitching for the first time since sustaining his left oblique injury. Williams said the 24-year-old continues to improve but still has a ways to go before embarking on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.
“Well he’s got to build still,” Williams said. “Being shut down for that amount of time, he still has to build it up a little bit. These are the early stages, certainly, but he’s progressing, so that’s a good sign.”
Rendon fielded grounders and made a variety of throws, including turning a double play and pivoting at second base. He also took a full session of batting practice, hitting balls both off a tee and flipped to him by a coach.
hen Rendon eventually rejoins the Nationals, it is unclear whether he will play second base or third. He is skilled at second but won a Gold Glove award last season at third, where Yunel Escobar has grown comfortable. Williams said he has not yet decided who will play where.
“I would imagine that on any given day, Anthony could play third when he comes back. He could also play second,” Williams said. “Those determinations haven’t been made yet, because we don’t know exactly when Anthony will be back. So as we get closer to his return, then we’ll have to make some decisions. But right now, we’re just about getting Anthony healthy, and Yunel’s continuing to do everything he could possibly do to help our club.”
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Williams not concerned about Harper
Bryce Harper was ejected for the second time in seven days Wednesday, creating a perception that he has less leeway with umpires than the average player. When asked about that perception, and whether he has talked to Harper about being more careful in his actions, Williams focused on his 22-year-old slugger’s passion.
“What we love about Bryce is his passion and the way he plays the game,” Williams said. “So without commenting on it, I would like to leave Bryce where Bryce is at, because he’s doing pretty darn good. Of course we want him to be in ballgames, and that’s important for us, too. But I can’t take away his competitive nature, because that’s what makes him really good. There are conversations that happen from time to time. We’ll leave it at that.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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