HOUSTON -- Another Nationals hitter took an encouraging step toward working his way back from the disabled list on Tuesday, when outfielder Brian Goodwin swung a bat for the first time.
Goodwin also did some light jogging and has continued conditioning work without much discomfort since a left groin strain sent him to the DL on Wednesday (retroactive to Aug.14). However, he has yet to begin running full speed, which will be the final hurdle before he is fully recovered.
The Nats have a few other hitters working their way back. Left fielder Jayson Werth and shortstop Trea Turner are currently on rehab assignments at Triple-A Syracuse, which began Monday.
Goodwin played well after being thrust into extended playing time following the plethora of injuries, especially in the outfield, Washington has suffered. In what is his rookie season, he has posted a slash line of .251/.313/.498 with 13 home runs and six stolen bases for a 105 OPS+.
"I wasn't very happy. I really didn't think it was that serious where it will warrant a DL type of situation, but they had the final say-so," Goodwin said. "Now that I can take my time with it, I still don't like it, but I'm OK with it."
Worth noting
• Nats ace Max Scherzer received treatment on his sore neck again Tuesday, and the team is still anticipating he will make his next start Friday, when he is eligible to return to the rotation.
"I imagine he's doing better," manager Dusty Baker said. "I don't want to ask him every day because Max will give you the same answer every day."
• Washington is still searching for definitive answers on right-hander Ryan Madson's right finger sprain. The team has not set a timetable for his return, and Madson still experienced discomfort when he attempted to play catch Saturday.
Madson had been one of the stabilizing forces for the Nats since he joined the team last month. In nine appearances, he has yet to allow a run while striking out 13 batters and walking one in nine innings.
"[The injury] just sort of came up out of nowhere," said Baker, who could not recall other players he has managed dealing with that sort of issue. "He said he threw a pitch and it was there. It happens sometimes. I just wish it hadn't happened to him."