Scherzer, Zimmerman are close; Werth, Turner take positive steps

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman confirmed it was not his left shoulder that he felt discomfort in Thursday in Houston. The biggest update today was that Zimmerman said it was his left triceps instead.

"It wasn't really inside the shoulder, so that was good," Zimmerman said. "I was swung yesterday. It was just a little sore."

Zimmerman even had discussions during Friday's game against the Mets with manager Dusty Baker about possibly pinch-hitting.

"I told him (I could), but he had (Anthony Rendon), Howie (Kendrick), there were plenty of options," Zimmerman said. "Tony almost hit a homer. I hit (pregame), it was just a little sore. It didn't hurt when it happened or even the next day. I say it hurt, it was just discomfort. It's August."

Adam Lind will start at first base today in this weekend's second game against the Mets. Baker is pointing towards getting Zimmerman healthy for Sunday's heavy schedule of two games to wrap up the series.

"With the doubleheader coming up tomorrow, certainly need him in one of those games," Baker said. "I thought the best move was to not play him today. Then he'll be ready for one of the games tomorrow. But it might loosen up, trainers are working on it, to be able to pinch-hit (today)."

Baker talked to Zimmerman about the play at the plate in which he slid head first with his arms outstretched in front of him.

"I asked him why did he slide head first because he said the catcher (Brian) McCann wasn't officially blocking the plate, but he didn't give him much of a window," Baker said. "Plus, he didn't know whether to stand, slide or how close it was going to be even though there wasn't a play."

Right-hander Max Scherzer appears to be on the right track for possibly returning to start Sunday's final game of the series at 8:05 p.m.

"Well, we hope so," Baker said. "But if not, we have a backup plan just in case Max can't answer the bell tomorrow.

"He's close, he's very close."

That backup plan would likely mean Erick Fedde, who hasn't pitched for Triple-A Syracuse since last Monday, Aug. 21. He went six innings, scattering four hits and allowing three runs at Lehigh Valley in a no-decision. He has made two starts with the Nationals this season and is 0-1 with a 10.61 ERA over 9 1/3 innings.

Rehab continues tonight for left fielder Jayson Werth and shortstop Trea Turner in Woodbridge, Va., for the high Single-A Potomac Nationals. Werth said his swing feels good and is ahead of his running as he works back from a broken left toe.

"Good. I'm feeling good," Werth noted. "At this point, I've taken a lot of at-bats. Just a matter of getting in game shape, getting back up here with the team.

"That's the one thing I've been able to do is hit. From that respect, I think I will be OK. Obviously, big league pitching is a lot better than minor league pitching. I think at this point the legs will probably be the last thing that will come because I was off for so long."

Werth has had experience with hand and wrist ailments. Did he have any advice for Turner as he recovers from a fractured right wrist?

"You can try to give Trea as many tips as you want, but he's not listening to anyone at this point," Werth smiled. "He's his own man. But he's looking good, doing good. He hasn't been out that long, but with wrist injuries, the last thing to come is strength. As time goes on and he gets stronger, I think he will be OK. It's not that bad for a wrist injury, so he should be good."

Potomac faces Frederick tonight at Pfitzner Stadium in another doubleheader. The first game begins at 5:15 p.m. The duo worked out with the Nationals here at Nats Park before they head down to Woodbridge for another rehab assignment tonight.