Nats optimistic Eaton's DL stint won't be long

WASHINGTON -- A day after the Nationals placed left fielder Adam Eaton on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his left ankle, there was optimism in manager Dave Martinez's voice that Eaton might only be sidelined for a short stint.
"He'll be back, I think he's going to be back sooner than you think," Martinez said. "He's doing pretty good right now."
The move to put Eaton on the DL was retroactive to Monday, so Eaton could be eligible to come off the disabled list a week from Thursday. He has halted baseball activities for now and is focusing on strengthening exercises and treatment for his ankle. Washington has insisted this stint on the DL was precautionary, trying to stop a small ankle tweak from becoming something more.
The Nats plan to keep Eaton off his foot for the next few days, but if he continues to feel strong, Eaton could start ramping up his activity this weekend. In the meantime, they want him to focus on increasing the strength in his ankle and his surgically repaired knee before he returns.
"We miss him on the field," Martinez said. "But it's actually pretty good that he's able to continue doing his strengthening."
Worth noting
• Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson was scheduled to start again Thursday at extended spring camp. The Nationals are aiming to get his pitch count up to near 100 and then he could be an option to join the team.
"Once we get him up to 100 pitches, I think he's good, I really do," Martinez said.
• Koda Glover has began throwing from 75 feet at the team's complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., a positive development considering Glover had been shut down since he arrived to Spring Training with right shoulder inflammation. Meanwhile, right-hander Joaquin Benoit has still not resumed throwing after a right forearm strain landed him on the DL at the end of Spring Training.