Papelbon "felt pretty strong" in first game back since June 12

Right-hander Jonathan Papelbon returned from the disabled list yesterday and looked strong with one inning of shutout relief in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Brewers.

He struck out two batters in the ninth, not allowing a run or a hit. He fanned out Martin Maldonado, who had homered earlier for the only run of the game.

It was Papelbon's first appearance since June 12. He had been on the disabled list with an intercostal strain.

Manager Dusty Baker liked what he saw from Papelbon.

"Papelbon looked pretty good," Baker said. "I mean, he looked real good. He didn't throw a bunch of pitches. He was around the strike zone. So he gets our bullpen back in sync. Papelbon looked very good."

"I felt pretty strong and I felt pretty healthy," Papelbon said. "And I felt like my delivery was intact. I feel ready to go and continue the season to the last pitch of the season."

Papelbon said he made sure to follow the instructions of the Nationals training staff. He stayed with the Nationals on their long road trip and was able to keep working out with the team.

"We got the best training staff, I think, in the big leagues here," Papelbon said. "Paul Lessard has assembled a team here that's pretty good. I just try to stick with what they say and also give them what I think and put our minds together to come up with the best situation for me to stay healthy throughout the season."

Baker said the timing of the DL stint might have helped a bit.

"It's challenging, but you have to remember it's less challenging as you get deeper in the season because they're in better shape," Baker said. "Their arms are in better shape. What they have to do is keep their legs in better shape when they're on the DL. I've seen guys, if they go about it properly and if they work like they're supposed to work, they actually come back in better shape than when they left.

"I remember in San Francisco, ... our trainer was Stan Conte (and) they called it Camp Conte. Guys didn't really want to go on the DL because they had to work harder, but they actually came back in better shape than when they left. I'm proud of the way that they worked and I'm proud of our fitness instructors and trainers and things that kept them in shape."

Papelbon was pleased to actually get back to what he was brought here to do.

"It felt good to get out there and contribute," Papelbon said. "At the end of the day, we lost the game. Obviously, our main goal is to win the game. We went up against a tough pitcher today, and that happens. I was just happy to get back out there and feel strong and healthy."