LaRoche takes grounders as he continues rehab

WASHINGTON -- Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche took ground balls for the first time since he was placed on the disabled list on May 11 because of a right quad strain. According to manager Matt Williams, LaRoche will soon take full batting practice on the field and start running the bases.

"I want him to go get a grounder that's just reactionary, potentially turn and have to go into right field to try and catch a popup," Williams said. "It's hard to simulate that. … When that is, I don't know."

LaRoche is eligible to come off the DL on Sunday. It's not known if he will go on a rehab assignment before he plays in a Major League game.