MILWAUKEE – The Washington Nationals recalled Collin Balester from Triple-A Syracuse before their game against Milwaukee on Saturday and placed starter J.D. Martin on the disabled list.
Martin strained his lower back in his start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night. He lasted just 2 1-3 innings Saturday after aggravating a bulging disk in his back.
He will be placed on the 15-day disabled list to make room for left-hander Ross Detwiler.
"We're pretty much going to do everything we can to not have surgery," Martin said. "I know for a fact I don't need it right now."
He replaces right-hander Luis Atilano, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with bone chips in his right elbow.
Balester has not pitched for Washington this season after going 1-4 with a 6.82 ERA in seven starts last season.
Detwiler is expected to arrive from Double-A Harrisburg in time to start Sunday's game.
Detwiler, the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2007, will replace Atilano in the rotation. Detwiler has not pitched this season after undergoing surgery on his right hip last February.
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