Fister fine after 'pen session; next step uncertain

JUPITER, Fla. -- Nationals pitcher Doug Fister still felt good Saturday morning, a day after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session, according to manager Matt Williams. Yet the next step in the right-hander's return from right elbow inflammation is not entirely certain.

Williams initially said the Nats would reevaluate Fister "in the next day or so," then have him progress to live batting practice before deciding whether to pitch him in a Major League or Minor League game.

However, told that pitching coach Steve McCatty had said Friday that Fister could throw in a Minor League game on Sunday, Williams indicated that is possible as well, "depending on how today goes."

"He'll go through his work today, and we'll see where we're at," Williams said.

Acquired from the Tigers this offseason, Fister made his Grapefruit League debut with two innings on March 2, but he hasn't pitched in a game since.