Sammy Solis, Joe Blanton making progress for Nationals – Washington Post

The Nationals have recently found a reliable combination for the back end of their bullpen in Matt Albers and Koda Glover.But they could use more depth, and help appears on the way. From the left side, Sammy Solis threw a 40-pitch bullpen session at the clubs facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Tuesday. And from the right side, Joe Blanton was slated to begin a rehab assignment with Class AA Harrisburg on Thursday, according to Manager Dusty Baker.

Solis has been on the disabled list since April 19 with nerve damage in his elbow. The left-hander posted an 8.31 ERA in six games before he was shelved. Baker said Solis is still in Florida. As for his next step, the manager wouldnt divulge any details.

His next step is his next step, he said.

Blanton was placed on the disabled list May 17 with shoulder inflammation after his worst stretch since becoming a full-time reliever two years ago. He has a 9.49 ERA and has allowed six home runs in 12 1/3 innings.

Hes getting better, Baker said.

Bakers prognosis for Jayson Werth wasnt as positive. Werth hurt his left big toe when he fouled a pitch off it Sunday against the Oakland Athletics. X-rays were negative, but the left fielderneeded crutches and was put on the disabled list Monday.

Its not going to be quick, Baker said. If anybodys ever hurt their toe, it heals slower. You have worse circulation there, and it looks ugly. Were not planning on Jayson the next few days. Hes just trying to get the swelling out, and thats the toughest thing to do. Keeping it up, elevated, stay off of it, but try to do some leg work and some arm work in order not to get out of shape when you hurt your feet, because everything you do to stay in shape is on your feet. Were going to do whatever we can to keep him in shape so its not starting all over when he gets back.

Werth probably wouldnt have played in Thursdays make-up game the Orioles anyway, not after such a quick turnaround off a nine-game West Coast trip, which concluded Wednesday in Los Angeles. Baker likes to give players days off in these situations, and he stuck to his philosophy Thursday by not including Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon in his starting lineup.

Chris Heisey wouldve been useful for the manager, but the outfielder said he still hasnt resumed any baseball activities since aggravating his right biceps injury during a two-game rehab assignment last week. He said his plan is to make sure he is 100 percent before pushing it again. Heisey ruptured his biceps April 23 and was placed on the disabled list the next day, but doctors told him he could play as long as he could manage the pain. The rehabassignment, however, left his arm black-and-blue and left him thinking he might have rushed it.

ORIOLES Seth Smith LF Jonathan Schoop 2B Mark Trumbo 1B Chris Davis 3B Trey Mancini LF Joey Rickard CF Caleb Joseph C J.J. Hardy SS Alec Asher RHP

NATIONALS Trea Turner SS Wilmer Difo 2B Bryce Harper RF Adam Lind 1B Matt Wieters C Stephen Drew 3B Michael A. Taylor CF Brian Goodwin LF Joe Ross RHP

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Sammy Solis, Joe Blanton making progress for Nationals - Washington Post