It was a busy Wednesday at Nationals Park for some pitchers on the mend.
Max Scherzer made his second start since coming off the injured list while lefty relievers Sean Doolittle and Roenis Elias threw simulated games before the Nationals played the Baltimore Orioles.
The Nationals (74-58) appear to be getting healthy with 30 games left in the regular season. Doolittle (right knee tendinitis) could return this weekend and Elias (left hamstring strain) is making progress.
First baseman Ryan Zimmerman, on the injured list since July 22 with plantar fascitis in his right foot, went 3-for-5 Wednesday for Single-A Potomac in another rehab outing. He too could join the Nationals soon.
One lone downside: Right fielder Adam Eaton was hit by a pitch near the right knee Wednesday and had to leave the game in the first inning. He is day to day, according to manager Dave Martinez.
Above all else, Scherzer’s health is paramount for a postseason run. “We need Max to be Max,” Martinez said.
Washington begins a home series with last-place Miami on Friday.
The rosters can expand from 25 to 40 on Sunday for all teams.
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