Davey hints Detwiler likely done for regular season

WASHINGTON -- After throwing three simulated innings on Wednesday, Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler will fly to Viera, Fla., and pitch in an instructional league game Monday, according to Davey Johnson. The manager hinted that the lefty might not rejoin the Nats this season.

"If that's the plan, he might as well stay down there," Johnson said. "I don't see it. He'd need to have four days off and then there's only one game or two games left. I don't see the point in coming out and having him for one game, probably. But that's going to be a decision made down the road."

Detwiler has been on the 60-day disabled list since early July with a herniated disc in his back, and he has struggled with back issues all season. The left-hander is making progress, however, throwing fastballs, changeups and curveballs during Wednesday's bullpen session. Johnson said that there just might not be enough games left on the regular-season schedule.

The Nationals' skipper also suggested that Detwiler's back has been bothering him since the World Baseball Classic. Although he is in his last season as manager of the team, Johnson still wants to make sure that Detwiler doesn't rush back and that he completely overcomes the injury before next season.

"The injury is such that there's no easy medical cure," Johnson said, "so you're just concerned because there is a little problem in there, if that's going to get exacerbated and come back. That's the whole issue."