48 Ross Detwiler, SP

Nationals starter Ross Detwiler hopes to make his next start,which has not yet been scheduled, the Washington Times reports Monday.

Detwiler reported improvement with his ailing back Monday after playing catch. He'll throw from a mound later this week.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said the team has no plans to place starting pitcher Ross Detwiler on the disabled list after an MRI revealed only a slight oblique strain, according to The Washington Post. Detwiler will miss Monday's start against the Giants, with Zack Duke making a spot start.

Detwiler might not make his following start either, but Thursday's off-day gives the team flexibility and it can keep Detwiler off the DL.

"We’re hoping he does pitch," Rizzo said of Detwiler returning to action May 26 vs. Philadelphia. "We don’t have to call up a pitcher, a starter, from the minor leagues. We’re hoping Ross can take the next start. If not, we can skip his start and guys are still on regular rest."

But the Nationals would need Detwiler to be ready by May 28 in order to avoid Jordan Zimmermann pitching on short rest.

"In essence, we’ll have 10 or 11 days until that spot needs to pitch again," Rizzo said. "We think Ross will be OK by then."

Nationals starting pitcher Ross Detwiler underwent a second MRI Friday after suffering back spasms in Wednesday's start.

Manager Davey Johnson told reporters Detwiler will not make his scheduled start Monday at San Francisco. The team has yet to release the results of his latest MRI, which could indicate if his injury will require a trip to the disabled list. The first test showed an "irregularity" in the right side of Detwiler’s back, Johnson told The Washington Post.

Detwiler is 2-4 with a 2.76 ERA in eight starts for the Nationals.

Nationals starting pitcher Ross Detwiler had an MRI on his back Thursday that appeared to show an "irregularity", according to Nationals manager Davey Johnson.  The team is sending him to have another MRI Friday with a specialist, as the image was ultimately inconclusive.

The team expects to take a broader look at Detwiler's back in the second MRI, with the hopes of getting a better idea of his status moving forward.

Detwiler is doubtful for his next start, Monday in San Francisco.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson did not seem to think starting pitcher Ross Detwiler has a good chance to make his next start, as he told reporters Thursday. Detwiler had to leave Wednesday's start due to back spasms.

Johnson told The Washington Post that he does not feel confident in Detwiler's availability for his next start, scheduled for Monday in San Francisco. If Detwiler is forced to miss the start, the team hopes it will not require a trip to the disabled list, and they will likely choose his replacement from the bullpen.

"If we think he's just going to miss one start, then wouldn't DL him," Johnson said.

Zach Duke and Craig Stammen would be the best candidates to take Detwiler's place, and the manager is reportedly leaning toward Stammen.