Doolittle (toe) is ready to attempt throwing off a mound, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is an important step for Doolittle, especially with the toe issue being on his left foot, which he uses to push off the mound. The 31-year-old began throwing without the walking boot Wednesday and whether the toe allows him to ramp up his mound work should provide a clearer indication of a firmer return timetable. Ryan Madson should continue in the closer's role for the near future with Kelvin Herrera (shoulder) also on the disabled list.

Doolittle (toe) was able to shed his walking boot and play catch prior to Washington's game Wednesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle is gradually beginning to resume activity after suffering a stress reaction a few weeks ago. This marks the first time he's been able to throw since that setback occurred, and now that he's gotten rid of the boot, he should be able to continue progressing with his throwing program this weekend. Look for Doolittle to extend his distance over the next few days before moving to mound work.

Doolittle had an MRI on his injured foot Monday which was virtually unchanged from the one he underwent the previous week, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The lack of progress means that Doolittle is still not close to returning, though team trainers were reportedly happy that his condition hasn't gotten worse. Kelvin Herrera should remain the Nationals' closer for the time being.

Doolittle (toe) will undergo another MRI on Monday to make sure there isn't a stress fracture in his foot, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

He said he is making progress, but the fact that they need to rule out a stress fracture suggests he's not out of the woods just yet. If the MRI is negative, as the team reportedly expects, he will be able to ditch his walking boot. Doolittle does not have a timetable for his return.

Doolittle underwent an MRI on the injured toe on his left foot Saturday, which revealed that the closer was dealing with a stress reaction, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports. The Nationals don't have a timetable for Doolittle's return, but it's expected that he'll be sidelined for at least a few more weeks.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle was shut down earlier this month after an initial MRI revealed that he was dealing with a strained toe, but the expectation was that he would be ready to return from the 10-day disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. However, Doolittle didn't quite feel right during a bullpen session Friday and was sent in for another checkup, after which it was determined his injury was more serious than initially expected. Doolittle will presumably be on a no-throw schedule until the pain in his foot subsides, making it difficult to when the 31-year-old might be ready to rejoin the Washington bullpen. In the meantime, Kelvin Herrera will likely head what could be a committee approach to the ninth inning that may also feature Ryan Madson.

Doolittle (toe) threw off a mound Friday for the first time since suffering the injury, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle had little command of his pitches during his throwing session, so he'll need more time on the disabled list than the minimum. He also managed to participate in some running. It's good news to see that Doolittle is continuing to make progress, but he's still at least a few days away from making a return. More news on his status should surface in the coming days.

Doolittle (toe) will not be activated from the disabled list Friday when he's first eligible to return, The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fortunately, he's making progress, but the Nats have not revealed a specific timetable for Doolittle's activation. While Doolittle has been sidelined, Ryan Madson has recorded the only save thus far.

Doolittle was placed on the 10-day disabled list with left toe inflammation Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the All-Star break coming up, Doolittle could end up missing just six games, if he ends up missing just the minimum amount of time. The issue didn't seem to be affecting his performance, as he hadn't allowed a run in his last five appearances and had allowed just one in his last 15. A precise timeline for his return is not yet clear.

Doolittle underwent an MRI on Saturday and was diagnosed with a strained toe, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle did not pitch Saturday as the Nationals cruised to an 18-4 win over Miami, and is availability for Sunday's game remains unclear. The Nationals appear to view the injury to be a minor issue at this point, but they may try to limit his usage if possible over the next few games.

Doolittle underwent a precautionary MRI on his foot Saturday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue apparently cropped up this week, although it was described as "not a big deal" by one Nationals' official. The veteran closer's availability for Saturday's game against the Marlins remains unclear, but he could be due for a night off regardless after pitching each of the last two games.