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Matt Williams told reporters on Monday that 30-year-old Washington Nationals' right-hander Doug Fister was a day away from an outing in extending Spring Training.
"He's five days between starts," William said, "so... tomorrow. He's good. Up it to three and 45-ish, but he's on a regular five-day rotation."
Fister, acquired from Detroit this winter, dealt with elbow inflammation this spring then suffered a minor right lat strain in a minor league start in Florida as he worked his way back. The five-year major league veteran took the mound again today and felt good about the outing.
"Three innings, 44 pitches," the Nats' skipper told reporters today. "Felt good with everything. Lots of grounders and reported that he felt really good with it. So the next step for him is he'll work out down there tomorrow. The plan is for him to be here Thursday and continue to go through his program and then get to a rehab start Sunday. That's the plan. But, it went well today."
"I want to say it's going to be Potomac," Williams said though the plan for Fister is not set. "I'm not exactly sure. We'll get with him when he gets here, but that's the tentative plan."
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Next time out he'll take the next step in the progression as he builds arm strength.
"Four, five and that could be it," Williams said, explaining the plan for the next two outings.
"So, again, barring some kind of soreness or setback or anything like that, that's the plan. But it was good today. Felt good."
Fister finished his final season in Detroit at +4.6 fWAR. The 6'8'' righty was (14-9) with a 3.67 ERA, 3.26 FIP, 44 walks (1.90 BB/9) and 159 Ks (6.86 K/9) in 33 games, 32 starts and 208 2/3 IP for the Tigers. He made two starts in Grapefruit League action for the Nats, and will return to competitive action in minor league games soon.