Lobaton (elbow) is hitting and could go on a rehab assignment in the next few days, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's encouraging to think Lobaton could begin a rehab assignment early next week and possibly return to the Nationals before the end of the month. However, Wilson Ramos sees as much playing time as any catcher not named Buster Posey or Yadier Molina, so Lobaton would likely only see a handful of starts over the rest of the season.