Stras to start rehab assignment Wednesday

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Wednesday as he tries to make his way back from the disabled list for the second time this season. The affiliate for which he will pitch has not been announced.

Strasburg (strained left oblique), on the DL since July 5, threw 51 pitches during a three-inning simulated game on Friday in Pittsburgh.

In his first 10 starts of the season, Strasburg posted a 6.55 ERA. But after returning from his first DL stint, for a strained left trapezius, he produced a 1.15 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings before sustaining another injury.

The Nationals have used rookie Joe Ross in Strasburg's place for the last couple of turns through the rotation. Ross took the loss on Sunday despite a quality start at Pittsburgh, and he has a 3.03 ERA over five outings this season.