Here is the last thing the Nationals needed to happen: Have a starting pitcher go down.

Tim Redding just came out of today's game in the fourth inning after throwing a 1-0 pitch to Luis Gonzalez that got past catcher Paul Lo Duca and was scored a passed ball. Redding immediately bent over at the waist and motioned for a trainer and was escorted off the field. Manny Acta could only stand there with hands on hips as he signaled for the bullpen and pondered how serious of a blow this might be.

Redding, as you know, is slated to be the No. 3 starter, opening next Wednesday at Philadelphia. We'll have to see what his status is, but all of a sudden you've got to wonder whether Matt Chico and John Lannan might both be in the rotation when this thing's all said and done.

Updates when we have them.