LaRoche pleasantly surprised by quad progress

WASHINGTON -- Adam LaRoche still needs to test his strained right quad when it comes to running. But in terms of stretching, the Nationals first baseman told reporters on Saturday he was surprised by how good he felt.

Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 10, LaRoche is eligible to return on May 25.

"He's got to pass some tests still. He hasn't been full speed yet ... but it seems to be OK," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "[The injury] has diminished somewhat and is down to one little spot kind of in the hip flexor/quad area. He was in the pool yesterday. He'll continue to do all that stuff ... so, yeah, looks good."

Usually a slow starter at the plate during his career, LaRoche is batting .319 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 32 games this season.

Stepping in for LaRoche at first base, Tyler Moore has hit in four straight games, batting .357 with a home run and five RBIs in that stretch.