Hellickson ready to face live hitters again

The Nationals appear close to getting one of their injured rotation members back, though they'll still need to call upon a minor leaguer for Tuesday's start against the Orioles.

Jeremy Hellickson, on the disabled list since June 3 with a strained right hamstring, went through what he referred to as "probably the last step" in his recovery today, fielding bunts and running to cover first base. The right-hander said everything felt fine after that workout, and now he's ready to start facing hitters again for the first time in two weeks.

"That's kind of the last step of everything, just seeing if I could cover first or field a bunt, which I felt fine doing," he said. "I'll probably know more later today or tomorrow."

Hellickson has already throw off a bullpen mound twice (Thursday and Saturday) and said he doesn't believe he'll need to go on a minor league rehab assignment before coming off the DL.

"It hasn't been that long since I've been off," he said. "I don't really need to build arm strength. I don't think (I'll need a rehab assignment), but we'll know for sure tomorrow, hopefully."

The Nationals will have Hellickson test things out Tuesday in a simulated game, manager Davey Martinez said.
"We'll see how he feels, but he wants to face some hitters tomorrow," Martinez said. "If he does that, then we'll see where he's at from there."

Hellickson may be close to returning, but he's not close enough to be activated Tuesday and start the series opener against the Orioles. So the Nationals will need to promote someone from their farm system for the outing.

Jefry Rodriguez appears the most likely candidate, the 24-year-old right-hander having last started for Double-A Harrisburg on Thursday and thus being on turn for this assignment.

There's a chance the Nats could go with Austin Voth, who will be called up as the 26th man for tonight's second game, assuming he doesn't appear in that game.

Either way, the team will need to drop one of its eight relievers before Tuesday's game to clear a roster spot for the starting pitcher. Wander Suero and Sammy Solis are the only current members of the group with options. Anyone else would need to be designated for assignment and exposed to waivers or released altogether.