Solis joins Zimmerman at Potomac, Ross rehab Sunday

Manager Dusty Baker announced that left-hander Sammy Solis will begin his rehab assignment and pitch tonight and tomorrow night for high Single-A Potomac as he recovers from right knee inflammation. He has been on the disabled list retroactive to July 8.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman will be the designated hitter tonight for Potomac as he continues his rehab assignment. Last night, he had a single, a double and a run scored in the P-Nats' 4-2 win.

"He told me that he felt good," Baker said of his conversation with Zimmerman. "Our pitcher on our side was throwing the heck out of the ball. They had a kid last night throwing 95, 98 mph on the other side. I asked him what kind of lights they had, he said that they were decent lights. 'Cause that's what you are afraid of, getting hit in the back by a kid that's trying to get you out, probably overthrowing."

Baker said the plan is for Zimmerman to just hit tonight and then play in the field at first base on Saturday in Woodbridge, Va. Then if all goes well, Zimmerman would be activated for the Indians series next week.

"Played seven innings last night at first base," Baker said. "He's going to DH today. And then he'll play the first game of a doubleheader tomorrow at first base. Then he'll be ready to return to leave with us to go to Cleveland."

Baker also announced that right-hander Joe Ross will rehab with a Nationals affiliate on Sunday. That opens the door for Lucas Giolito to return and start for the Nationals on Sunday against the Padres. Giolito is coming off of 6 2/3 shutout innings for Triple-A Syracuse in their win over Gwinnett on July 19.

However, Baker would not disclose who the starter will be in this weekend's series finale.

"We will let you know Sunday," Baker said.

* Right-hander Tanner Roark could join Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg as double-digit winners if he can notch the victory tonight against the Padres. Roark arrives at 9-5. Scherzer is 10-6 and Strasburg is 13-1. Baker has a lot of confidence in the 29-year-old veteran.

"If we started the playoffs tomorrow, he'd be our No. 3 starter," Baker said. "That's a co-ace. He's throwing the ball great."

* Infielder Stephen Drew (sickness) is likely out today, but Baker said he is starting to eat again, mainly chicken and rice. Baker said Drew has lost weight as he battles a flu bug that also hit Anthony Rendon at the beginning of this week.