Strasburg throws 60 pitches in BP session

MILWAUKEE -- Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg threw a live batting practice session before Friday's game against the Brewers at Miller Park. The right-hander threw 60 pitches and reported no problems.

"He threw all of his pitches and he felt good coming out," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "Once he gets a good night's sleep and gets back here tomorrow, we'll re-evaluate him. If he's through 60 [pitches] and feels good about it, then we'll get him a rehab start and ramp that intensity level up."

Strasburg is on the 15-day disabled list due to a left trapezius strain. He threw a bullpen session on Saturday, but Friday was his first time throwing to live batters since the injury.

The next step for Strasburg and the Nationals is determining the cause for the recurrence of minor injuries. One belief is mechanics, which includes consistently finding the same landing spot for his plant foot when pitching, something he worked on in the batting practice session.

"He's been able to continue to throw through this and continues to work on his mechanics," Williams said. "Today was much better. He was able to put the ball where he wanted to. It's a really positive sign for us and him."

Strasburg is 3-5 in 10 starts for the Nationals this season. His 6.55 ERA doubles his career average of 3.25.