Solis returns, will look to get into games before postseason

The Nationals announced that left-hander Sammy Solis has been activated from the disabled list. He had been out with left shoulder inflammation since Aug. 16.

Solis makes the Nats roster total 39 active players. Catcher Spencer Kieboom is the only player on 40-man that is not currently on the active roster.

Solis has been a solid contributor out of the 'pen this season, throws in the mid-90s and has ability to be a long reliever if the Nats need him to. But manager Dusty Baker has said as late as last week that because Solis is returning from inflammation in his throwing shoulder one inning might be the max for him right now.

Baker expects Solis could get a shot to pitch in the Arizona series.

"We're trying to win games, but we're trying to get guys back healthy, too," Baker said. "I think Sammy just threw yesterday, so he's not really available today. Hopefully, we have a situation where we can get him into the game tomorrow. It doesn't leave a bunch of time for us to get him sharp. But they told me that he's feeling good and he threw the ball well."

Solis threw 25 pitches a couple of times and even got some simulated games in at the Nationals training facility in Viera, Fla.

"I got a couple down in Florida," Solis said. "I was throwing simulated games. Now we've got seven games to get me in there hopefully. I'll get some game experience and get back on track for the postseason."

Baker joked it was important that Solis finally got to pitch in some type of game.

"The main thing is he was on the mound," Baker said. "It doesn't matter if he was pitching against Viera Little League, as long as he was on the mound."

Solis said they worked each batter as if he was in an actual appearance.

"Simulated game, so we kind of threw me into situations and that kind of thing," Solis said. "It's not quite a game. I think we all know that. I'm still feeling good and ready to go."

Baker said they would not have Solis pitch tonight. With only seven games remaining in regular season, does Baker believe Solis is healthy enough to pitch in back-to-back game situations now or in the playoffs?

"I think at this point, it's kind of on the run. 'Hey, we need you.' OK, no problem," Solis said. "Late in the season, I was out a while, but I think my arm is bouncing back just fine. I'll be ready to go."

When I spoke with Solis back in late August, he was hoping he would have an early September return. But the recovery did not go as fast as he had hoped.

"Definitely longer than expected," Solis said. "I was thinking 15 days and then I would be back, but it just wasn't co-operating too well. I'm feeling strong now and feeling ready for this push.

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez called out to Solis Saturday night on the MASN postgame "Nats Xtra" broadcast that he wished the southpaw was in Pittsburgh to celebrate, too. And Solis said today it stung a bit not being there with his teammates to rejoice in the National League East crown.

"Yeah, that was a tough one," Solis said. "It was tough to watch on TV, having been a part of it for most of the season. Hopefully we get to do it three more times. Let's hope so."

* The Nationals have acquired minor league catcher Taylor Gushue and cash considerations from the Pirates in exchange for infielder Chris Bostick. The 22-year-old Gushue was a fourth-round selection by Pittsburgh in 2014 out of tFlorida.

Gushue hit .226 with 17 doubles, eight homers, 38 RBIs in 90 games with high Single-A Bradenton of the Florida State League.

The 23-year-old Bostick hit .290 with Double-A Harrisburg, but .203 with Triple-A Syracuse this season. He came over from the Rangers with right-hander Abel de los Santos in the Ross Detwiler trade in 2014.

* Mark Zuckerman contributed to this report