Major League Baseball

Nats' upgrade on fast track

Published May. 4, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

As Dayn Perry writes, the Nationals’ future is bright. And they're closer than people think.

By the second half of this season, the Nats figure to upgrade at least one-third of their pitching staff.

The promotion of right-hander Stephen Strasburg, expected in early June, will be only the start.

Strasburg, who will make his first start at Triple-A on Friday, likely will arrive in tandem with righty Drew Storen, the team’s other first-round pick last year.

What Strasburg could mean to the rotation, Storen could mean to the bullpen. And the Nats also could benefit from the returns of four injured pitchers -- right-handers Ross Detwiler, Jason Marquis, Chien-Ming Wang and Jordan Zimmermann.

Detwiler, coming off hip surgery, should be ready first. Zimmermann, coming off Tommy John surgery, will be handled with particular care. All, including Wang, are under the Nats' control for next season.

Setbacks probably are inevitable for one or more of those pitchers, but Detwiler and Marquis are reasonably good bets to contribute in the second half along with Strasburg.

The addition of Storen, meanwhile, will give the Nats a potentially dynamic late-inning relief corps. Closer Matt Capps leads the majors with 11 saves in 11 opportunities. Setup man Tyler Clippard, who has increased his velocity from 88-89 mph to 91-92 since last season, has allowed one earned run in 19 2/3 innings.

Can the Nats remain in contention? Maybe not. But the Phillies’ injuries, Braves’ struggles and Marlins’ and Mets’ inconsistencies could create an unexpected opening.

The Nats might not barge through right away. But they will be ready soon.

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