Ivan Rodriguez will continue to rehab his oblique injury rather than begin his rehab assignment Sunday with Single-A Hagerstown. There seemed to be a possibility that Pudge would catch Stephen Strasburg in his first rehab game Sunday, but the catcher just isn't ready yet. The good news is that he recently received an encouraging second opinion on his strained right oblique and should be ready to play in games before long.

Ivan Rodriguez has reported to Single-A Hagerstown after receiving an encouraging second opinion on his strained right oblique. He took batting practice Sunday, and although the Nats don't plan on him playing Sunday, it's possible he could be cleared to catch Stephen Strasburg's first rehab start. Pudge has been out since July 6 and was recently shut down after experiencing a setback.

Ivan Rodriguez (oblique) will visit a doctor in Philadelphia this week after experiencing a setback. Rodriguez was scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday or Sunday at Single-A Hagerstown, but that won't be happening now. The veteran catcher has been sidelined since early July with a strained right oblique and is not close to returning to the Nationals.

Ivan Rodriguez (oblique) might begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend with Class A Hagerstown. If he does, there's a pretty good chance he'll catch Stephen Strasburg, who is tentatively scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start on Sunday. Pudge has been sidelined since straining his right oblique in early July.

Ivan Rodriguez (oblique) is close to going on a minor league rehab assignment. Pudge hasn't played since straining his right oblique in early July. He still feels some pain when he swings the bat, but is making good progress. The veteran backstop could be a trade candidate if he makes it back this month.

Ivan Rodriguez has been making progress with his right oblique strain. "He's coming along," said Nationals manager Davey Johnson. "I'm surprised I haven't had a phone call already telling me he's ready to come back." Pudge has been undergoing physical therapy and should make it back sometime in August.

Ivan Rodriguez is headed to Miami this weekend to get further tests on his oblique. Pudge had a setback during his rehab, though he was able to hit off a tee and take soft toss earlier this week without any issues. His injury has ruled out the Nats trading him before the deadline, but he could go somewhere in August.

Ivan Rodriguez (oblique) felt no pain Monday when he hit off a tee and took soft toss. "I'm pretty much right there," said Rodriguez. "The way I feel right now is 10 times better than I was just five, six days ago." It's nice to hear that he's making progress, but Nationals manager Davey Johnson indicated that it's unlikely he'll return from the disabled list when he's eligible Friday.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday that he has received calls on Ivan Rodriguez, as well as members of his bullpen and veteran starting pitchers. Rodriguez is currently on the disabled list with a right oblique strain, so he will have to prove he's healthy before being included in any deal. We know that the Nats have fielded some interest in left-hander Sean Burnett, but Livan Hernandez could presumably draw some interest from small-market teams due to his reasonable contract.

Ivan Rodriguez was shut down from swinging after feeling tightness in his right oblique. It now looks like a severe longshot that Rodriguez will be able return when he's eligible later this week. The 39-year old veteran has a 2,842 career hits but may struggle to reach 3,000 if his health doesn't cooperate. Wilson Ramos will continue drawing starts for the Nationals.