Kelley (back) pitched a simulated game Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals will revisit how Kelley is feeling Thursday before determining if he's ready for activation from the disabled list when first eligible Friday. If the Nationals decide Kelley needs more time to recover from the lower-back strain, he could be sent out for a rehab assignment. Once he rejoins the Nationals, Kelley should immediately reenter the mix for saves, as the likes of Matt Albers and Enny Romero have failed to solidify the closing ranks while Kelley and Koda Glover (hip) have been on the DL.