Denard Span suffers setback

Denard Span traveled to New York one week ago to test out his ailing back with workouts at Citi Field. After taking his first swings in over three weeks, Span told reporters it was time to "put the rubber to the road and see where I'm at and test it out ... just rev it up."

But Span wasn't able to make his scheduled live batting practice session at Nationals Park on Friday afternoon.

"He's had a setback," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "It just hasn't been progressing the way he wants it to progress. So he's gonna be continuing to strengthen. He tried to push it this week and he just couldn't get there. So we have to take a couple steps back before we take that next step forward."

Span was on the field before tonight's game going through some light sprints and playing catch. Williams indicated Span will be with the team tomorrow before heading off to Viera, Fla. to continue his rehab while the Nationals head out west for a 10-game road trip.

"He's frustrated by it because it was promising moving forward and he just hasn't been able to get it better," Williams said.

Span was first bothered by back spasms late in a loss to the Cubs on June 7 at Nats Park. He continued playing at a high level over the next month before finally heading to the DL on July 7. In the 21 games since he first experienced the back discomfort, Span hit .329 (26-for-79) with four doubles, eight stolen bases, 14 runs scored and five RBIS.

It's now reached a point of concern for both parties with just 54 games remaining for the Nationals. Williams was asked earlier whether he feels Span will be able to suit up again this season.

"We hope so," Williams said. "We hope that he's back as quickly as possible, but with something like this, you just don't know. Right now, it's important for us to get him feeling better and give it another try."

Meanwhile, Dan Uggla was placed on the 15-day DL with his own bout with back spasms. The move allowed for Stephen Strasburg's activation from the DL for tonight's start.

(Uggla's) been bothered by it for days now," Williams said. "You try to get it loose and it's just difficult for him. It makes us play short, but it's a move that we can make to get Stephen back and get him going. We'll have to be conscious of having only four guys on the bench."

Uggla, who is a big presence in the Nationals, has swung the bat well lately despite only coming up with two hits since July 1.

"Feel like my swing is great," Uggla said. "It's right kind of where it needs to be. That's why it kind of sucks that everything happened right now. It locks up in you and nothing you can really do about it. Just gonna get some treatment and let these guys work on me and hopefully be back soon."