Mark Zuckerman The Washington Times - October 1, 2009, 06:31PM

Ross Detwiler will get one more start this season after all. The rookie left-hander will pitch Saturday afternoon against the Braves, a decision the Nationals made earlier today in part because they felt an obligation to throw the best pitcher they had in a game that could have had playoff implications.

As it turns out, the Braves were just eliminated with the Rockies beating Milwaukee this afternoon to clinch the NL wild-card. But the Nats aren’t going to pull Detwiler from the start at this point. Besides, as Mike Rizzo pointed out, his arm feels fine and the team isn’t overly concerned about his innings count (147 1/3) being too high.

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Detwiler has made some significant strides since returning to the majors this month. In four appearances (three starts) spanning 18 2/3 innings, he has posted a 2.41 ERA. He also earned his first career win on Monday.

“It’s been really interesting and really exciting to see since he’s come back from the minor leagues this month, how his composure has improved, his command has improved,” Rizzo said. “Just the whole package of what he brings on the mound has been good.”

Tonight’s lineups for what has now become a meaningless late-September game…

NATIONALS

LF Willie Harris

SS Ian Desmond

1B Adam Dunn

3B Ryan Zimmerman

RF Mike Morse

2B Pete Orr

CF Justin Maxwell

C Wil Nieves

P Garrett Mock

BRAVES

CF Nate McLouth

2B Martin Prado

3B Chipper Jones

C Brian McCann

LF Garret Anderson

SS Yunel Escobar

1B Adam LaRoche

RF Ryan Church

P Tommy Hanson