Rainey (elbow) is set to throw to live hitters Friday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rainey is in the final stages of returning from Tommy John surgery. He made a rehab appearance in the Florida Complex League on Monday, where he pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout. Now set to throw to live hitters at Nationals Park, the 30-year-old will throw 35-40 pitches. Given that he has only begun facing live hitters, a return to the big-league bullpen is not imminent, but he could return in a couple weeks if he avoids setbacks.