Detwiler, Ramos making progress

WASHINGTON -- Pitcher Ross Detwiler and catcher Wilson Ramos both took steps forward in their respective recovery processes on Monday.

Manager Davey Johnson said that Detwiler "threw the ball well" during a bullpen session before Monday night's game at Nationals Park and remains on track to start on Wednesday against the Brewers. Detwiler's back stiffened during his outing against the Mets on Friday, but it doesn't appear he will miss any time.

Johnson said that pitching coach Steve McCatty and general manager Mike Rizzo were "raving" about Detwiler's session but that the team wants to make sure Detwiler doesn't suffer any setbacks overnight. Should that happen, right-hander Ross Ohlendorf would start in his place.

Ramos, who began his rehab on Friday and Saturday, catching for the Nationals' Gulf Coast League affiliate, caught seven innings and went 0-for-4 in a rehab appearance for Class A Advanced Potomac on Monday night. If no problems surface, the next step would be for him to catch nine innings. He also could appear in a game at designated hitter in order to get extra at-bats.

Ramos has been on the disabled list since May 16 with a strained left hamstring. He is scheduled to return on Saturday but could make it back as soon as Thursday.