Adams can pinch-hit, Zimmerman swings in cage (Nats fall 5-4 in 10)

Nationals manager Davey Martinez said injured right-hander Jeremy Hellickson is in West Palm Beach, Fla., conducting sim games this week as he recovers a right shoulder strain. He's been on the shelf for 61 games.

"He's down in spring training (facility)," Martinez said. "Today was his day (for sim game). Today I think he threw a sim game. Then he's scheduled to throw another one possibly this weekend."

Martinez believes there is a possibility that Hellickson's next step would be minor league games.

"If he continues to progress the way he is, yeah, he'll start a rehab assignment. But for me once again he's spent so much time, it's (like) going back to spring training.

"I hope he continues to progress and get better. When we started the season he (was) our fifth starter so if he could come back that would be great."

* First baseman Matt Adams has been out with a contusion on his right foot after getting hit by a pitch over the weekend. He is not on the injured list just yet. Martinez actually had Adams next to pinch-hit last night in the 11-8 loss to the Braves.

"Yesterday he was actually going to be on deck hitting after (Gerardo) Parra, today's the same," Martinez said of Adams' availability. "He'll probably be available to pinch-hit. He's still a little tender, but he could pinch-hit."

* Martinez said Max Scherzer and Austin Voth are both "progressing and strengthening," and the skipper had a positive update on Ryan Zimmerman (right foot planta fasciitis, July 22).

"Zim's actually doing a lot better," Martinez said. "He hit yesterday in the cage. Took about 15-20 swings so he's definitely coming around. The biggest thing is getting him to run again. I know he ran the bike. He walked on the treadmill. He's doing fine. Hopefully we get him back soon."

Update: The series finale was a back and forth affair to begin. Adam Duvall crushed a solo shot in the second inning off Aníbal Sánchez and Ozzie Albies added a run-scoring double in the third.

Juan Soto launched his 20th homer of the season in the second inning to tie the game at 1-1. With 42 homers in his first two seasons, the 20-year-old Soto tied Bryce Harper for third all-time in homers prior to their 21st birthdays.

Through three innings, the Braves lead the Nats 2-1.

Update II: Albies added an RBI double to his ledger in the fourth inning.

Mid-fourth, the Braves lead the Nats 3-1.

Update III: Tyler Flowers raked an RBI double in sixth inning. Sánchez allowed four runs on 10 hits over five innings plus two batters, with one intentional walk and six strikeouts. He fired 98 pitches, 75 for strikes.

After six innings, the Braves lead the Nats 4-1.

Update IV: Adams crushed a pinch-hit solo homer in the bottom of the eighth on an 0-2 slider.

After eight innings, the Braves lead the Nats 4-2.

Update V: Down two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Nats loaded the bases on singles by Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon and a walk to Soto. Kurt Suzuki delivered an RBI single and Parra grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that scored a run to tie the game.

Headed to extra innings, the game is tied 4-4.

Update VI: Donaldson hit a solo homer deep over the center field wall in the top of the 10th inning off of Nats closer Sean Doolittle to give the Braves a 5-4 lead.

In the bottom of the 10th facing Josh Tomlin, Adrián Sanchez singled with one out. Turner walked. But Eaton popped out to shortstop and Rendon lined out to left to end the game.

Final score: the Braves 5, the Nats 4 (10).