NL East Notes: Joe Ross expected to be healthy, Phillies add Clay Buchholz

Washington starter Joe Ross was plagued by a shoulder injury last season, but he is expected to be healthy in 2017, according to MLB.com’s Jamal Collier.

Ross will follow the Nationals’ rehab throwing program in advance of Spring Training, according to Collier.

After trading Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, the Nationals don’t have as much starting depth to turn to. As a result, the club will likely depend on Ross to remain healthy and earn a rotation spot.

Ross, 23, posted a 3.43 ERA and 3.49 FIP over 105.0 innings with the Nationals last season.

Here’s the latest from around the National League East:

• Philadelphia recently acquired Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox, adding another starter to a 40-man roster that feature at least a dozen starting candidates.

• Though it was unclear how Atlanta’s bullpen would perform in 2016, the unit turned into one of the club’s strengths as the season progressed.

• ESPN released its Sunday Night Baseball schedule earlier this week, and the Mets will play on Sunday nights at least three times next season.

• The Marlins don’t usually get recognized on a national scale, but they will play one contest on a Sunday night in 2017.

• Washington acquired Derek Norris earlier this offseason, but it seems there is still a chance the team signs Matt Wieters.