Positive updates on Ross and Revere

Nationals right-hander Joe Ross confirmed his blister injury on his throwing hand has mended well enough that he could have started tonight. But the Nationals played it cautiously and gave Max Scherzer the start against the Phillies.

"It's feeling good. I think I could throw today," Ross said. "They decided to skip me and give me some more rest. I don't think they want me to re-aggravate my finger or anything like that."

Ross said he did not throw a bullpen today but believes he will throw a session tomorrow. He also confirmed he will make his next start.

Scherzer, left-hander Gio Gonzalez and right-hander Tanner Roark are scheduled for the Phillies series here at home this week to wrap up the homestand.

The Nationals then head on the road to St. Louis. Ross could very well start that first game against the Cardinals Friday night or Saturday's afternoon game.

Even though Ross did not pitch since the blister injury, he did pinch-hit in the 16-inning win over the Twins Sunday and notched a base hit, his third of the season. Last season, he hit .111 (3-for-17) in limited at-bats over 17 games. They were all singles and he struck out 11 times in 30 plate appearances.

This season he is hitting .429 (3-for-7) with a double in four games.

"I feel like I've always liked hitting," Ross said. "Honestly, I feel like I was a little nervous last year because I was getting any at-bats. Maybe like 10, I'd say at the most 10 before I came up last year. So then it was like from that to then having to hit here wasn't easy."

But Ross said the experience of last season and work in Viera, Fla., has helped gain some confidence at the plate to start this season.

"We hit a lot during BP and stuff like that in the cages, but I was never really comfortable in the game," Ross said. "I was nervous trying to do well and have really good at-bats. We hit a lot in spring training. I think just talking to some of the other guys I feel little more comfortable, a little more settled in with it."

Center fielder Ben Revere is beginning to take more swings from the left side as he rehabs a strained right oblique that has kept him on the disabled list since April 5.

"Feeling good, working out, trying to get back on the field," Revere said. "I guess I'll know later on what they have planned for me for a future time. My best guess is I'm hoping to get some quick games in somewhere and meet them on the road trip. We'll see what they want me to do."

What has he been doing that is baseball related?

"Yes, (taking swings). Running the outfield," Revere said. "Took BP on the field today. Get the blood flowing, get the body back to (where) it was coming out of the spring."

Revere was seen on the field during batting practice taking leads off first base and simulating stolen bases to second and third.

His next step is to extend his outfield throwing and test the arm and what that does to his core rotation.

"I haven't been able to definitely throw in awhile," Revere said. "Definitely do some long toss and I'll get the arm back in shape again just taking that long break. Running the bases, turning the corners, getting back and doing the little deals that will come along way. Get the body remembering what my body was like coming out of spring. Just doing those little steps."

The good news is Revere is not feeling any lingering soreness from the tender oblique.

"I don't feel no pain," Revere said. "I know with the oblique, usually guys (say), 'I don't feel the pain, I'm ready to go.' Then they hurt it again. Right now, (I will) just take my time with it and don't overwork it like before. Just take one little step at a time so I'll be able to continue the season."

Here is the upcoming schedule for the Nationals and how Revere might figure into the plans:

The Nationals head out on a 10-game road trip that runs from April 29-May 8 through St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago. The team returns home May 9 against the Tigers.

Rehab assignment schedule for minor league affiliates: High Single-A Potomac, which is the closest to Nationals Park, is home April 26-May 1 and May 5-8.

Double-A Harrisburg is home April 26-May 5. Low Single-A Hagerstown is home April 29-May 2 and May 12-18.