Ross has been moved to the bullpen, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was talk that the Nats could shut down Ross entirely after his outing Sunday, but the team will put him in the bullpen and have him available occasionally down the stretch. The workload is the big concern with Ross, as he's reached 149.2 frames already between the minors and majors this season after maxing out at 121.2 a year ago, and his performance has fallen off considerably as the innings have added up. Tanner Roark will step into the rotation for Washington.

Ross could be shut down for the season, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ross struggled once again on Sunday, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks in 4.1 innings against the Braves. Fatigue seemed to set in during the game as his fastball lost velocity throughout the contest and his innings count (149.2 innings after Sunday) has Nationals manager Matt Williams concerned, "Again, we have to understand where he's at. The territory he's in. What options we have going forward." While it's unclear what rotational changes the Nationals may have in store, we should know more information as Ross approaches his next scheduled start against the Marlins this weekend.

Ross allowed three runs on just one hit but six walks in 2.2 innings in a no decision Tuesday against the Cardinals. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Ross had trouble gripping the ball according to manager Matt Williams, who said Ross wasn't dealing with any injuries. Ross had walked just 11 batters in 11 previous starts and hadn't ever walked more than four in a single start. Heavy humidity was reported in St. Louis, so it's likely this was just an aberration for Ross.

Washington Nationals pitcher Joe Ross has been called up from Triple-A Syracuse and will start Tuesday's game against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com. Ross recorded a 2.66 ERA in three June starts and will likely remain in the rotation until Stephen Strasburg returns from his oblique injury.

Ross was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. Stephen Strasburg (neck) is rejoining the rotation, forcing Ross back to the minors for his first stint at the Triple-A level. Ross was excellent in his three starts for the Nationals, and he was having a strong season at Double-A Harrisburg prior to his call-up. If one of the Nats' starters suffers an injury, Ross should be the first choice to join the rotation, although Tanner Roark is also a viable candidate.

Manager Matt Williams said Saturday that Ross will be out of a rotation spot when Stephen Strasburg (neck) returns from the DL, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports. Ross was brilliant across 7.1 innings Friday in a win over Pittsburgh, fanning 11 (12.5% SwStr%) and allowing just one run on six hits. Williams said Ross "seriously opened eyes" with the performance but added that the team won't go with a six-man rotation, so it seems likely the 22-year-old will head back down upon Strasburg's return. Perhaps it will take another injury for Ross to get another chance before September, but he figures to be atop the list of candidates if an injury does strike.

Ross was spectacular Friday night, allowing one run on six hits, walking one and striking out 11 over 7.1 innings of a 4-1 win against Pittsburgh. Ross (2-1, 2.66 ERA) is on a start-to-start schedule with Tanner Roark due to miss a few days on paternity leave, and Stephen Strasburg currently on a rehab assignment, but starts like this are going to make it difficult for the Nats to take him out of the rotation. Doug Fister is already back and Strasburg should be ready soon, so there simply may not be room for Ross, who could return to the minors for more seasoning.

Ross will remain in the rotation for at least one more start, taking the hill on Friday against the Pirates, the Washington Post reports. Doug Fister will start on Thursday, which was originally Ross' next scheduled turn, but rather than send the rookie back to the minors the Nats will keep him around for now. The reprieve may in part be due to the fact that Tanner Roark's may need to go on paternity leave this weekend, but Ross has pitched well enough on his own to deserve more starts. Both Ross and Roark will likely lose their spots when Stephen Strasburg (neck) comes off the DL, however.

Ross could hold onto a rotation spot beyond the return of Doug Fister (forearm) from the disabled list, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports. Ross has pitched well since being recalled from Double-A Harrisburg, allowing five runs on 13 hits and one walk over 13 innings. Either he or Tanner Roark will remain in the rotation, but the youngster appears to be the favorite. However, Stephen Strasburg (neck) doesn't appear too far off from a return either, so his run in the rotation may not last much longer anyway.

Ross picked up his first major league win Saturday, giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk over eight innings, striking out eight. It was a fantastic effort from the rookie, but with Doug Fister (forearm) close to returning from the DL, it might end up being Ross' final turn before heading back to the minors. Tanner Roark has been shaky recently though, and coming off a start this dominant, the Nats will likely give at least some thought to keeping Ross around.