Rainey struck out the side and gave up one hit in a scoreless seventh inning during Wednesday's win over the Cardinals, recording his third hold of the season.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has had a shaky start to the season with an 8.53 ERA and 1.74 WHIP through 6.1 innings, but Rainey appeared to regain his 2020 form Wednesday, as he fanned Matt Carpenter, Justin Williams and Austin Dean, all on sliders. Rainey is still a key setup arm for the Nats for now, but if he can't find some consistency, he could be bumped down to lower-leverage spots once the rest of the bullpen gets healthier.

Rainey (0-1) allowed two hits -- including the game-winning two-run homer -- and a walk across one inning to take the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

It was a rough 2021 debut for the right-hander, as Rainey needed 28 pitches, the worst of which was a middle fastball that pinch hitter Pablo Sandoval drove over the fence. Rainey's average fastball velocity Wednesday was 95 mph -- a decrease from 97.7 mph in 2019 and 96.6 last season. He consistently touched 100 mph with his heater in the 2019 postseason, and as his primary pitch, it must improve considerably if he's to keep a high-leverage role in Washington's bullpen.

Rainey (collarbone) is scheduled to pitch during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old has yet to see game action in spring training due to a minor muscle strain near his right collarbone, but he's set to take the mound during Sunday's contest. Rainey completed a couple simulated games throughout the past week, and he should have enough time to get fully ramped up for Opening Day.

Rainey (collarbone) threw 22 pitches in a simulated game Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rainey has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut this spring as he works through a muscle strain near his right collarbone. He continues to progress in his recovery, however, and he still has time to make the Opening Day roster. Rainey flashed high-leverage upside last year, striking out an incredible 42.7 percent of opposing batters en route to a 2.66 ERA, making him one of the top candidates for saves should Brad Hand struggle or get injured.

Rainey (collarbone) could pitch in a game this weekend, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will throw another simulated game Thursday, and if that goes well, Rainey will pitch in an exhibition game this weekend. He still has time to get ready for Opening Day if he can avoid setbacks.

Rainey (collarbone) tossed a live batting practice session Sunday, Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After experiencing no issues with his collarbone coming out of his bullpen sessions in recent days, Rainey was cleared to take the next step forward in the recovery process by facing hitters. The Nationals have yet to pinpoint a target date for Rainey to make his Grapefruit League debut, but his activity Sunday is certainly a step in the right direction. Rainey was arguably the Nationals' top reliever in 2020, finishing the abbreviated campaign with a 2.66 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Rainey (collarbone) continues to throw bullpen sessions, and the Nationals have no timetable for his readiness to pitch in Grapefruit League games, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander is dealing with what manager Dave Martinez called a "minor" muscle strain along his right collarbone, but the team is taking no chances with Rainey and has limited him to bullpen sessions so far in camp. With Daniel Hudson and Will Harris available to handle setup duties in front of closer Brad Hand, the goal will likely be to make sure Rainey is healthy for the season rather than pushing him to get ready for Opening Day, but if he makes good progress over the next week the 28-year-old might still be able to avoid an IL stint to begin the campaign.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Rainey (collarbone) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While he has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut as he recovers from a muscle strain near his right collarbone, Rainey is beginning to ramp up again and is expected to be ready to go for the start of the regular season. After incumbent closer Daniel Hudson endured a turbulent 2020 campaign and after Sean Doolittle left for the Reds this offseason, Rainey looks like he could be a candidate for ninth-inning duties earlier this winter, but those hopes were dashed when the Nationals signed three-time All-Star Brad Hand to a one-year, $10.5 million deal. Rainey should once again serve as one of the Nats' top setup men in 2021.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Thursday that Rainey is dealing with a minor muscle strain near his right collarbone and has yet to resume mound work, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rainey ended the 2020 campaign on the shelf with a right flexor strain, but the 28-year-old has been bothered by a different injury since reporting to spring training a couple weeks ago. According to Martinez, Rainey was shut down for a few days to begin camp, but he's since been cleared for long toss from 90 feet. Based on where Rainey currently stands in his recovery, Martinez believes that the right-hander is still on pace to make about six or seven appearances this spring, which would put him on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Manager Dave Martinez said Monday that Rainey (forearm) is "probably" finished for the regular season, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rainey was placed on the 10-day injured list Sept. 15, and he should remain sidelined for the rest of the regular season. The right-hander pitched well during the abbreviated 2020 season prior to his injury as he recorded a 2.66 ERA and 0.74 WHIP over 20.1 innings.