Strasburg to ease back into throwing program

ST. LOUIS -- A day after hurting his back against the Marlins, Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg didn't do any baseball activities before the team faced the Cardinals on Monday night at Busch Stadium.

The Nationals want medication to take effect in Strasburg's back before he does anything on the field, according to manager Matt Williams.

Strasburg left Sunday's game against the Marlins after four innings because of back tightness and was replaced by right-hander Doug Fister in a 7-4 victory

Video: MIA@WSH: Williams discusses Strasburg's start

Strasburg allowed four runs on seven hits. In the first inning, he allowed a three-run homer to Justin Bour, and a solo shot to Derek Dietrich three innings later. The Nationals noticed that Strasburg's fastball velocity was down, so they decided he was done for the day.

"We don't have any updates because he hasn't thrown a ball -- yet," Williams said. "We'll have more information hopefully tomorrow."

Worth noting

• Williams said the Nationals will make an announcement soon on what right-hander Aaron Barrett will do with his ailing right elbow.

Barrett saw Dr. James Andrews recently to check on the elbow. Andrews is a prominent orthopedist who performs Tommy John surgeries for players needing elbow reconstruction, but it's not known if Barrett will need to go through the procedure.

"There are options all over the place. ... He has taken all of the information that he has received from everybody and will make a decision on what he wants to do with it," Williams said. "There is nothing official yet and we just go from there."

• Starting Tuesday, the Nationals will expand the roster, and it will start with second baseman Dan Uggla being activated from the disabled list. He has been out almost a month because of back spasms.

First baseman Tyler Moore is expected to follow later in the week. Moore missed the last two weeks because of an injured left ankle.