Olsen going on rehab assignment

Nationals left-hander Scott Olsen, on the disabled list because of a sore left shoulder, will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Potomac starting on Tuesday. He is going to throw three innings or 50 pitches.

“We are not going to talk about the next start because we have to see how he feels or if he is going to take another step back,” Acta said. “We are very encouraged about the way he has been throwing the ball. I’m looking forward to his first rehab start.”

When Olsen comes back, one of the starters in the young rotation has to be sent down to Triple-A Syracuse. It will mostly likely be between left-hander Ross Detwiler and right-hander Craig Stammen.

“It’s not going to be a bad decision to get one of these guys to go down there and continue to get some experience,” Acta said.  

In other news, outfielder Josh Willingham, who has missed the last six games because of a viral infection, is getting stronger, and the Nationals are hoping that he play against the Reds on Tuesday.