The top of the 2016 Nats rotation sets up with
- Max Scherzer 2.79
- Stephen Strasburg 3.46
- Gio Gonzalez 3.79
The next 2 spots for the 2016 Nats rotation are written in pencil just in case an eraser is needed
4. Joe Ross 3.64
5. Tanner Roark 4.38
Spring Training 2015: Washington Nationals pitchers Stephen Strasburg, from left, Drew Storen and Tanner Roark watch as teammate Max Scherzer fields ground balls at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (PHOTO/AP, David Goldman)
Do the Nats bring in a back of the rotation veteran to compete for the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation? Will Lucas Giolito be ready to join the rotation in July and will he have enough innings available to help the 2016 Nats?
There are many variables in play here. There are many options that the Nats have. There is the unpredictable Mike Rizzo. There is a new pitching coach in Mike Maddux. There is a new manager in Dusty Baker.
Right now Taylor Jordan and A.J. Cole are projected as the 6th and 7th starters for the Nats.
Rizzo could stand firm and do nothing with the rotation and that just doesn’t seem to be in his DNA so we will be in wait and see mode as to what Rizzo does.
