Josh Willingham and Ivan Rodriguez resting minor ailments

Josh Willingham and Ivan Rodriguez, who were both out of today's lineup, will use today's impromptu night off to mend minor ailments.

Rodriguez's lower back, which has bothered him most of the season, felt "a little tender" after Thursday's cold, rainy game. Rodriguez will likely play in the first game tomorrow, and the Nationals will continue to monitor Rodriguez's back, which has flared on several occasions but never forced him to miss time.

"You know how it is with your back," Manager Jim Riggleman said. "It's hard to get rid of that. It's lingering. We just try to take it a little easy on him."

The Nationals would like to play Rodriguez in about 115 games this year, Riggleman said. Right now, Rodriguez is on pace to play 125 games.

Willingham tweaked his groin running to first base Thursday night, which was bothersome but not serious. "Hopefully better tomorrow," Willingham said. "Just a pain in the butt." Riggleman also plans on Willingham playing in one game Saturday.