Stephen Strasburg ramping up rehab

Stephen Strasburg threw off a mound earlier this afternoon for the first time since landing on the 15-disabled list with a left oblique strain on July 5. Manager Matt Williams indicated Strasburg fired around 30 pitches during the bullpen session at Nationals Park.

"(Strasburg) threw a couple of breaking balls, fastballs and changeups, and had no issues," Williams said. "So, that's a good sign. We'll see how he feels tomorrow. I would imagine some general body soreness tomorrow after being off a little while and getting back on the slope, but he had no pain throwing. That's a good sign."

This is Strasburg's second stint on the DL after a left trapezius strain took the right-hander out of action for 21 games beginning May 30. Strasburg made one minor league rehab start for Double-A Harrisburg on June 17 before rejoining the Nationals the following week.

Williams didn't reveal any further rehab plans for Strasburg today.

"Depends on how he feels," Williams said. "It was a light bullpen today for the first one. I wouldn't necessarily expect that we'd throw him right into a game. We'll see where he is tomorrow, though, and have a better idea."

Strasburg is 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts this year. The 26-year-old was experiencing his best success of the season before his latest setback. Strasburg won both his starts after coming off the DL, allowing only two runs with 15 strikeouts and two walks over 12 innings.

The Nationals recalled rookie right-hander Joe Ross to make his fourth start of the season against the Mets tonight. Williams said Ross will remain in the rotation until Strasburg returns.