Williams updates injury rehabs, including Span and Rendon

Nationals manager Matt Williams had updates on all the injured players looking to come back off the disabled list during his pregame briefing with the media this afternoon.

On right-hander Casey Janssen, who is out with right shoulder inflammation:

"Good. He's on his throwing program. It's a build-up of course. Being shut down and taking care of it for a while. We have to build him back up, so it's a normal spring training-type situation where he'll throw and build that arm strength. Then he'll get to bullpens and then he'll get to lives and then he'll get to game situations. It's just that normal build-up now."

Will Janssen come north for rehab games or stay in Florida?

"Well, we have opportunity to set games up for him (in Florida), so we can limit pitches," Williams said. "We can make sure if we want to get him two ups in a game and limit the first-inning pitch count. That situation can set itself, which is good, so that's probably the first step."

On outfielder Nate McLouth, who is sidelined following right shoulder surgery, but with the Nats in D.C.:

"He's here because he's feeling good, which is a good sign. He's not ready to go full workout yet, but his arm feels good. The cortisone shot was effective. He's seeing the physical therapist here on an everyday basis and building strength and we'll get to the throwing. But his shoulder feels good, which is a really good sign."

On oufielder Denard Span, who is recovering from right core muscle surgery and will play for low Single-A Hagerstown again tonight:

"Nine, full nine tonight is the plan. He would be schedule for a day off tomorrow after two in a row and we'll evaluate how he feels. He should be here tomorrow for a regular full workout on the field and evaluate where he's at and then we'll make a decision on next step."

On third baseman Anthony Rendon, who is out with a left knee sprain and rehabbing in Viera, Fla., at the Nationals complex:

"Wet field conditions today, so he didn't run today, but he did all the other things. He hit, he threw, he took grounders because we can cover the field. So all is well. He's progressing nicely."