Detwiler, Ohlendorf making strides in rehab

WASHINGTON -- Manager Davey Johnson had positive news about injured pitchers Ross Detwiler and Ross Ohlendorf on Friday.

Johnson previously had expressed doubt that Detwiler, on the 60-day disabled list with a back strain, could return this season. While Detwiler can't come off the DL until September, Johnson said the left-hander "feels like he's way ahead of schedule."

Detwiler still is not close to throwing, but he was set to run in the outfield on Friday and Saturday.

"Crank it up, let's go," Johnson said. "But we'll be very cautious with him. I would like him to pitch before the year's out, see how he is."

Ohlendorf, on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, with limits of four innings or 65 pitches. Nats players typically complete rehab assignments at an affiliate closer to Washington, but in this case, Syracuse is the only affiliate that has a home game on Saturday.

Ohlendorf threw what Johnson said was a "great" bullpen session on Wednesday. He has been on the DL since Aug. 4, with that move retroactive to Aug. 1.