John Patterson has waited nearly two months to return. He knows another five days won’t hurt him — and may actually help.
Patterson will make one more start in the minors before rejoining the Nationals, likely for their trip to Baltimore June 23.
The right-hander will start for Class A Potomac on Saturday, after throwing 4 2/3 innings for New Orleans on Monday night. He allowed two runs, one earned, and threw 76 pitches.
He hasn’t started for the Nationals since April 21 and is on the disabled list with a right forearm strain. He agreed with the decision to make one more start in the minors. He likely would have been limited to 90 pitches or six innings had he returned this weekend.
“I didn’t want to get in a situation where I’d put stress on the bullpen,” he said. “I want to come back and help the team and not hurt them in any way.”
