Turner will enter the Nationals rotation and is expected to make his second start of the season Saturday against the Phillies, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Turner made a spot start in Colorado last week when Stephen Strasburg was on the paternity list and acquitted himself well, surrendering three runs over six innings while striking out six batters and walking none. He was sent back to the bullpen when Strasburg returned to action later in the week, but it now appears Turner may receive a longer trial in a starting role with the Nationals banishing the struggling Joe Ross to Triple-A Syracuse. The team still intends to develop Ross as a starter and remains hopeful that he'll reemerge as a rotation option after ironing things out in the minors, but if Turner performs well in his subsequent outings, he could change the Nationals' plans. Over 330.1 career innings in the big leagues, Turner owns a 5.09 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, so it's difficult to forecast much success for him as he joins the rotation.