WASHINGTON -- Before Friday's game against the Phillies, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said left-hander Sammy Solís, who is on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, has hit a road block.
Baker wouldn't say what the problem was, but pitching coach Mike Maddux said Solis is taking "baby steps" toward getting back on the field. Solis has been playing catch, but there is no timetable for his return to the field.
"He is about three days deep on it. He just has to get readjusted. It takes him a while to get going," Maddux said about Solis.
Baker said he is hopeful Solis can return before the postseason starts next month. Solis was one of Baker's most consistent relievers, going 2-3 with a 2.35 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings.
"We can use him big time because Sammy was lights out," Baker said. "He gave us a different option from our specialty lefties. He could give us an inning and a fraction, two innings even with right-handers [at the plate]. That kind of pitcher is important. I don't have to flip-flop so many times."