MLB PLAYER NEWS

Padres push back Ross’ next start

The Sports Xchange

September 16, 2014 at 1:27 am.

Tyson Ross (38) will not make his next scheduled start. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

SAN DIEGO — Tyson Ross won’t start as scheduled Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies, the San Diego Padres making the decision to help preserve his arm.

With the move, the right-hander will make a maximum of two starts over the final two weeks of the season.

Padres manager Bud Black would not say if it is possible that Ross might be shut down for the rest of the season, but he did hint it is a possibility.

In his last two starts, Ross, 27, has allowed nine runs (seven earned) on 12 hits and six walks with 11 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings. In those two games, his ERA climbed from 2.60 to 2.81.

On Saturday in Arizona, Ross gave up six runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks in just three innings — his shortest outing of the season.

“We’re going to push Tyson back a few days,” Black said. “After his last start, Tyson felt general soreness in his arm. … He was a little tired. We talked. I didn’t think he looked tired. His velocity was OK (topping at 97 mph on his fastball in Arizona). He wasn’t as crisp. He’s had better command than that. There were indicators.

“Tyson has pitched a lot more innings this year than ever before, and in close games. It’s a grind. We just came to a decision to give him more time.”

Ross has pitched 195 2/3 innings this season. The most he worked previously as a pro was 151 2/3. Had Ross made his final three starts, he would have equaled the most starts by a Padres pitcher since Kevin Brown made 35 starts in 1998.

Left-hander Robbie Erlin will make Ross’ scheduled start Thursday. Black did not mention a possible date for Ross’ next start.

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