The Nationals suffered yet another injury blow Friday when the team announced starting pitcher Doug Fister will be placed on the disabled list with right forearm tightness.
The move comes a day after Fister, 31, allowed seven earned runs in just two innings against the Padres. He is 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA in seven starts and 39 2/3 innings this season.
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Maybe more surprising is the Nationals' decision to move A.J. Cole, not Tanner Roark, into the now-vacant rotation spot. Last year, Roark started 31 games with a 15-10 record and a 2.85 ERA. He has been solid out of the bullpen this season, allowing five earned runs in 17 1/3 innings (2.60 ERA).
Cole, 23, made his first career start earlier this season and allowed nine runs (four earned) while lasting just two innings against the Braves. He has a 2.67 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Syracuse this year.