Ross ran into trouble his second time through the Cubs' order Saturday, eventually allowing three runs on six hits in five innings. He struck out four. Nats manager Matt Williams didn't have Ross on a long leash in his major league debut, but he likely pitched well enough to earn at least one more start for Washington. If the club does keep him around, his next turn would come Friday on the road in Milwaukee.

Ross has been called up for his scheduled start Saturday against the Cubs, CSN Washington's Chase Hughes reports. A.J. Cole is headed back to the minors in the corresponding roster move. With Stephen Strasburg and Doug Fister on the disabled list, Ross may get more than one start if he pitches well as the Nats already have Tanner Roark slotted in as one of their other temporary starters. Ross has posted a 54:12 K:BB over 51.1 innings at Double-A Harrisburg (nine starts) this season.

Ross will be called up to make a start for the Nationals on Saturday, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reports. AJ Cole and Taylor Jordan have both stumbled in their spot starts, so Ross will be the next man up as the Nats try to plug the holes left by injuries to Doug Fister (forearm) and Stephen Strasburg (neck). The 22-year-old righty has a 2.81 ERA and 54:12 K:BB ratio in 51.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg this season, and if he holds his own Ross could stick around for a couple of turns through the rotation.

Ross has a 3.05 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 44.1 innings at Double-A Harrisburg. The 22-year-old righty continues to face little resistance from hitters in the Eastern League. Prior to his last outing he had posted four straight starts of six-plus innings while allowing one run or less. He may not miss enough bats in the majors to be considered a No. 2 starter, but Ross has the stuff and the command to be a solid No. 3 starter for the Nationals in the not-so-distant future.