Manager Dave Martinez said Doolittle (toe) played catch Thursday and could return from the 10-day DL at some point this weekend, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle felt just fine after tossing a simulated game Wednesday, as demonstrated by his workout prior to Washington's contest Thursday. Martinez added that more should be known regarding Doolittle's status after he finishes up playing catch Thursday, though he failed to comment as to whether the left-hander would have any additional hurdles to clear before coming off the shelf.

Doolittle (toe) threw a successful simulated game Wednesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Everything apparently went off without a hitch, and the Nationals will wait and see how Doolittle feels Thursday before determining his next step. Manager Dave Martinez said "it's his call now," when asked about Doolittle's return date, so it sounds like the southpaw could be back in the fold soon if he checks out OK in the coming days. Doolittle figures to immediately resume closing duties once activated.

Doolittle (toe) will throw a simulated game Wednesday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Dave Martinez said Doolittle looked good during a simulated game Sunday, but the southpaw's velocity was apparently down, so the Nationals want to get one more look at him to make sure he's mechanically sound before clearing him to return. Once active, Doolittle figures to immediately reclaim closing duties.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Doolittle (toe) "looked good" during a simulated game Sunday and could be activated from the 10-day disabled list at some point during the upcoming week, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dolittle faced teammates Andrew Stevenson and Pedro Severino for one simulated inning and was pleased with the results compared to the simulated game he threw Friday. The lefty will get Monday off before being re-evaluated by team doctors the following day, at which time the Nationals will likely reveal a target date for Doolittle's return. Though he has been sidelined for nearly two months with a stress reaction in his left foot, Doolittle is expected to immediately reclaim closing duties rather than being eased back into the role with the Nationals having few high-quality relief options on the roster following the trades of Ryan Madson, Brandon Kintzler and Shawn Kelley in addition to the season-ending foot injury suffered by Kelvin Herrera.

Doolittle (toe) felt encouraged by his simulated game Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle will throw another similar session Sunday or Monday. Plans for a rehab assignment after that have yet to be announced, but it's likely that he'll need one, as he's now been out for eight weeks.

Doolittle (toe) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and will throw a simulated game Friday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle continues to slowly work his way back from an inflamed toe that sent him to the disabled list in early July. His return date remains unclear, but the Nationals will evaluate him following his simulated game, at which point clarity could emerge.

Doolittle (toe) completed a bullpen session Sunday, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was the sixth mound session for Doolittle since being shut down with left toe inflammation shortly before the All-Star break. While Doolittle hasn't been shut down from his throwing program, the Nationals haven't advanced him to throwing live-batting practice yet since he continues to experience some lingering pain. According to Danny Knobler of MLB.com, Doolittle believes he's turned a corner over the past few days, but the Nationals don't intend to bring him back from the 10-day disabled list during the current week. Doolittle's absence coupled with the foot injury Kelvin Herrera suffered in Sunday's 15-0 win over the Mets has left the Nationals' closer job in flux, though the impending return of Ryan Madson (back) from the DL could bring clarity to the situation.

Doolittle (toe) felt "not great but OK" after his most recent bullpen session, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle hasn't pitched since fracturing his left toe in early July. He's been able to throw off the mound, but his return date remains unclear. It's a positive that he's throwing, but his comments suggest that his return is not imminent.

Doolittle (toe) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tuesday marked the first time Doolittle was able to throw off a mound since injuring his left toe near the start of July. If everything checks out OK after Tuesday's session, the closer could progress through the rest of his rehab rather quickly.

Doolittle (toe) is set to throw off a mound Monday after tossing on flat ground Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle is yet to throw off a mound since suffering a left toe injury July 7. He's managed to shed his walking boot and successfully pitch off flat ground, but he's slated to take the next step Monday. Since Doolittle has continued to throw while on the shelf, he believes the final stages of his rehab should be quick and painless.