Nationals optioned RHP Taylor Jordan to Triple-A Syracuse. This confirms a report from Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Jordan holds a 5.61 ERA across five outings this season and was expected to be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot when Doug Fister (lat) comes off the DL, so the move isn't surprising. The Nationals have recalled reliever Ryan Mattheus to take his place on the active roster.

MLB.com's William Ladson reports that the Nationals will option Taylor Jordan to Triple-A Syracuse. Jordan lasted just four innings in Sunday's start and holds a 5.61 ERA and 1.64 WHIP across five outings this season. With an off day Thursday, the Nationals won't need a fifth start until Doug Fister (lat) returns from the DL next week.

Taylor Jordan was roughed up by the Angels in Tuesday's start and took the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) in five innings. Jordan will be an answer to a trivia question someday, as he surrendered the 499th and 500th career home runs to Albert Pujols. The first was a three-run shot in the first inning, while the other one was a two-run blast in the fifth inning. Overall, Jordan allowed eight hits, walked none, and struck out five. Jordan will face the Padres in his next outing.

Taylor Jordan was touched up for seven runs -- five earned -- over just 5 1/3 innings in Thursday's loss to the Cardinals. Jordan struck out four, but he gave up seven hits, walked a pair and hit a batter. He exited with the bases loaded in the sixth and watched Blake Treinen allow all three inherited runners to score. Jordan was excellent in his first start of the season, but he's now been knocked around the last two times out. Luckily for him, the guy he's competing with to remain in the rotation after Doug Fister (lat) returns, Tanner Roark, has also struggled with a 4.64 ERA. Jordan will try to bounce back next week versus the Angels.

Taylor Jordan was hammered for five earned runs over five innings in Saturday's loss to the Braves. The Braves jumped all over Jordan, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning and netting 10 total hits against the 25-year-old right-hander. He seems likely to move to the bullpen when Doug Fister returns.

Both Taylor Jordan and Tanner Roark will be part of the Nationals' Opening Day rotation following the injury to Doug Fister (lat). Roark was seen as the favorite to beat out Jordan for the No. 5 spot, but now they'll both get a shot. It's not clear at this point how long Fister will be sidelined, but whoever pitches better of Roark or Jordan over that stretch should get to keep a rotation spot once Fister returns. Jordan has the higher upside of the two.

Taylor Jordan pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball to defeat the Marlins on Monday. Jordan kept pace exactly with Tanner Roark; Roark gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings against the Mets on Sunday. The Nationals' fifth-starter battle will go right down to the wire. It's not ideal, but the two might pitch once more on Friday and Saturday before a decision is made.

Taylor Jordan gave up four runs and seven hits in three innings versus the Tigers on Friday. With an 11/0 K/BB ratio in seven innings, Jordan was pitching the best of the Nationals' fifth starter candidates going into this one. This looks like quite a setback when combined with Ross Detwiler's improved performance on Thursday.

Taylor Jordan fanned six while allowing one run in three innings Saturday against the Braves. Jordan has outshined Ross Detwiler in both of his appearances so far. That doesn't necessarily mean that he's now in the lead in the rotation competition, but he's already improved his chances.

Taylor Jordan started and pitched two scoreless innings as the Nationals edged the Mets 5-4 on Friday. Jordan has been able to keep pace this spring despite suffering a broken ankle in the offseason. He's battling Ross Detwiler and Tanner Roark for the fifth spot in the Nationals' rotation.