Ross will open the season on the 25-man roster, Dan Kolko of MASN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even though the Nationals don't plan to use their fifth starter right away, they'll still keep both Ross and Tanner Roark on the roster and use them out of the bullpen to start. The first opportunity for Ross to start a game will come on April 13, the day the Nationals will need to use a fifth starter.