WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg continues to take steps toward a return from the disabled list, though it's still unclear how many more steps he has to go.
A day after a bullpen session in Chicago, the 29-year-old All-Star right-hander was at Nationals Park throwing in right field before Washington's series opener against the Marlins.
Strasburg has missed two starts since he was placed on the 10-day disabled list July 27 and though he's progressed in his rehab, there is no timetable for his return. In his stead have been rookie Erick Fedde and A.J. Cole, the latter of whom is scheduled to pitch on Strasburg's turn Tuesday.
Through 20 starts this season, Strasburg is 10-3 with a 3.25 ERA over 121 2/3 innings.
Worth noting
• Nationals manager Dusty Baker spoke in a somber tone Monday while reflecting on the passing of his friend and longtime baseball great Don Baylor.
"We signed the same time," Baker said. "We were in Double-A against each other, Triple-A for two years. I was supposed to be the next Hank Aaron, he was the next Frank Robinson with the Orioles. We fought for batting titles all the way up [to the Majors]. We played in Puerto Rico together. And then his first wife picked out my first wife's engagement ring. First time I'd ever gone to Baltimore [was] when we drove up to Baltimore to see Donny."
• Former slugger, skipper Baylor dies at 68
Baker learned Saturday that the condition of Baylor, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, was worsening. The Nats skipper spoke with Baylor, but said he regretted not getting a chance to visit with him before he passed away Monday morning. He was 68.
"You just don't know how close death is to all of us," Baker said. "Just treat each other right [while we're here]. Just try to do the right thing."
• The Nationals welcomed back Giovany Gonzalez from paternity leave on Monday. In a corresponding move, Washington optioned Fedde to Triple-A Syracuse.