With Denard Span ready to rejoin the team after an extended stint on the disabled list, the Nationals have optioned reliever Tanner Roark to Single-A Potomac.
While that may seem like a demotion for Roark, the three-year veteran will have a rewarding goal to work towards. The Nats plan to transition Roark back to starting and have him come back to Washington on Sept. 1 when rosters expand.
If all goes well, Roark will take the rotation spot of rookie Joe Ross, who is in uncharted territory in terms of innings pitched. Ross has thrown 136 2/3 innings this season, up from his total of 121 2/3 in 2014.