Updates on Strasburg, Escobar, Rendon, Werth and Zimmerman

PITTSBURGH - Right-hander Stephen Strasburg threw three simulated innings at PNC Park this afternoon. It was the first time Strasburg has thrown with live hitters standing in since he landed on the 15-day disabled list on July 4, a day after a strained left oblique knocked him out of his start in the fourth inning.

"I thought he was good," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "He was optimistic about it from the time he went to the bullpen to warm up."

Strasburg tossed 17 pitches each inning, sitting down for a couple minutes in between to get the feel for a game situation.

"He threw 51 (total) and felt good about it," Williams said. "He could've gone further. (He threw) all of his pitches, all where he wanted to and reaching back and getting some velo when he needed to get it. I thought it was a good positive step for him."

Williams indicated Strasburg's next step will be a minor league rehab start, likely sometime next week. The progression will be for Strasburg to go four innings or throw around 65 to 70 pitches. Williams said earlier this week he expects Strasburg to make at least two starts in the minors before he is able to rejoin the Nationals rotation.

Yunel Escobar took a full round of batting practice on the field before tonight's game as he continues to recover from his sore left hand and wrist, which he injured on a check swing early in Wednesday's game. Williams reported yesterday that x-rays and a CT scan taken of the area were negative.

"(Escobar's) definitely available off the bench tonight but we're gonna give him another day, at least, to see what we can do to treat it and get it better," Williams said. "He's able but he's not feeling 100 percent."

Anthony Rendon (left quad strain), Jayson Werth (fractured left wrist) and Ryan Zimmerman (left foot plantar fasciitis) continue progressing with their minor league rehab stints. Rendon is batting second as the designated hitter in Single-A Potomac's lineup tonight. Last night, Rendon played a full nine innings at third base for the first time since going on the DL on June 25.

Werth is playing left field and batting third for Triple-A Syracuse. Zimmerman is also the DH and hitting second for Double-A Harrisburg tonight.

Williams was asked if he expects at least Rendon and Werth to join the Nationals when their next series begins Tuesday in Miami.

"It's reasonable," Williams said. "It depends on how they come through the next couple days. I think that could be an option if they feel good about the next two to three days."