Ivan Rodriguez on schedule for a short stay on DL

Catcher Ivan Rodriguez, on the 15-day disabled list since Monday with a strained lower back, is progressing well and remains on schedule to come off the DL as soon as he is eligible, Manager Jim Riggleman said. This afternoon, Nationals trainer Lee Kuntz talked to the trainer Rodriguez is working with in Washington. He learned Rodriguez is ready to start swinging a bat and taking batting practice.

"He's feeling good," Riggleman said. "We're crossing our fingers and hoping that it's the minimal 15 days."

Riggleman doesn't think Rodriguez will need a minor league rehab assignment. If he does, Riggleman said he would complete the assignment before his 15 days are up, a sign of how quickly his back is healing.