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Nationals lefty Ross Detwiler hasn't pitched since July 3 because of back problems, and now it appears it will be at least one more month until he's able to return to the mound. Amanda Comak of the Washington Times reports that an ongoing disc problem and possible pinched nerve will tack more time on to Detwiler's absence.
Detwiler has been prescribed an injection followed by rest. According to Comak, manager Davey Johnson says surgery isn't being considered at this time. Since even the best-case scenario would have Detwiler's returning in late August, any kind of setback or scaled-back schedule could put him out for the rest of the season.
This year, Detwiler has pitched to a 4.04 ERA (94 ERA+), 1.49 WHIP and 2.79 K/BB ratio across 13 starts. For his career, the 27-year-old is 18-29 with an ERA+ of 105 in parts of six major-league seasons.
