Ivan Rodriguez (oblique) took 50 swings off a tee Friday for the first time since being placed on the disabled list. He also played long-toss for the second straight day. The veteran backstop hopes to return from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible next week.

Nationals placed C Ivan Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled with a strained right oblique. Jesus Flores has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take his place on the 25-man roster. In the midst of by far his worst professional season at age 39, this should end any chance Pudge had of being dealt to a contender before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Of course, there's still a good chance he could clear waivers and be dealt in August.

Ivan Rodriguez's oblique strain could land him on the disabled list, according to Adam Kilgore at the Washington Post. "I've never experienced this kind of injury," Rodriguez said. "If tomorrow is not better, we need a catcher." Nationals manager Davey Johnson had been rotating Rodriguez and Wilson Ramos, giving the young Ramos two out of every three starts. Ramos would gain some value if he becomes the everyday catcher in the short term.

Ivan Rodriguez has been scratched from Thursday's game against the Cubs with a back injury. Wilson Ramos will start in his place. The Nationals don't seem too concerned about Pudge's injury.