Detwiler throws 30 pitches in pain-free session

NEW YORK -- Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler, who is on the disabled list with a back strain, had a bullpen session at Citi Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Detwiler threw 30 pitches and didn't feel any pain in his back. In fact, he was able to throw all of his pitches -- fastball, curveball and changeup.

"He commanded his fastball out of the windup pretty well," pitching coach Steve McCatty said. "Breaking ball was a little rolly, but that was to be expected. His velocity was pretty good. At the stretch, he was unhappy with his command, but for the most part, I thought he threw the ball well."

Detwiler will have two days off, then throw another bullpen session. Pretty soon, Detwiler will have a live bullpen session, which means he will face some hitters.

Detwiler is hoping to pitch in a big league game before the season comes to an end. He has appeared 13 games this season, going 2-7 with a 4.04 ERA.

The Nationals have indicated to Detwiler that they would like him to play Winter ball this offseason. It's not known for which team he will play.

"They kind of mentioned something to me and they said just think about it and we'll come back to you," Detwiler said. "I'm focusing on getting back this year, so I'm not going to think about that at the current time. But I know there is a good possibility they want me to go. We kind of take it as it comes."