Anthony Rendon begins minor league rehab assignment tonight

The Nationals will take another step on the road to recovery tonight as infielder Anthony Rendon joins right fielder Jayson Werth on a rehabiliation assignment at Single-A Potomac.

"As they have it right now, I believe they're both hitting two-three in (Potomac's) lineup today," Nationals manager Matt Williams said.

Rendon hasn't played since June 24 after landing on the 15-day disabled list with a left quad strain. He missed the first 53 games of the season after battling a sprained left MCL and a strained left oblique.

The 25-year-old Rendon is batting .290/.375/.362 with five doubles and nine RBIs in 18 games this year. He was heating up, going 9-for-15 (.553) in his last four games, before the latest setback.

Rendon has started 12 of his 18 games at second base this season while playing third base in the other six. He is scheduled to start at third tonight when his minor league rehab stint begins at Potomac.

"It's the easiest position for him to play as he gets going," Williams indicated. "He doesn't have to go as far. He's a step and a dive either way and the movement is more limited at third base, so the initial thought is to get him out there and get him some reps at third and get him some game situation, and then we'll act accordingly after that."

Werth went 0-for-3 appearing as the designated hitter last night at Potomac. The 35-year-old is 1-for-5 over two rehab games the last two nights. Werth is expected to play left field tonight depending on how he feels before the game. He is on the DL with a fractured wrist.

Two other players on the disabled list are progressing, as well.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (strained left oblique) took the field at Nationals Park to throw on flat ground for the third straight day. Williams said yesterday that Strasburg is pain-free.

Ryan Zimmerman (left foot plantar fasciitis) is expected to continue his on-field work during pregame batting practice.

"Our clubhouse is pretty full right now with a lot of guys here that are close to getting back going again, which is a good sign," Williams said.

First pitch for Potomac's game against Myrtle Beach is set for 6:35 p.m. tonight at Pfitzner Stadium.