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Doubleheader Creates Nats' Need For Sunday Spot Starter

To avoid pitching anyone on short rest, the Washington Nationals will have to turn to a sixth starter for Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Tuesday night's postponed game against the Los Angeles Dodgers has forced the Nationals into a doubleheader on Wednesday. That doubleheader will see Jordan Zimmermann pitch on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, which means in order to pitch on Sunday, he would have to come back on short rest, which is something manger Davey Johnson is looking to avoid.

Zimmermann has never pitched on less than regular rest and with his shoulder history, the Nationals certainly won't make that move now explained Johnson:

Because of the postponement, the Nationals will need a sixth starter to pitch on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers to avoid using anyone on short rest. Right-handers Craig Stammen and Chien-Ming Wang, as well as left-hander Zach Duke are all candidates to make that start.

And before anyone suggests the Nats just bring back ace Stephen Strasburg, Johnson is one step ahead of you:

I’m sure (Strasburg) would volunteer. He is right-handed.

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