Janssen ready for rehab assignment; Valverde to Syracuse

USA Today Sports ImagesReliever Casey Janssen made an appearance at Nationals Park on Wednesday as he trained with teammates in anticipation of his first minor league rehab assignment with Single-A Potomac the following night.

The right-hander has been recovering from right shoulder tendinitis, progressing through a throwing program in Viera, Fla. He is now ready for the next step as he works his way towards making his delayed Nationals debut.

Janssen said he still needs to work on a few things before he will be ready to pitch for the Nats.

“[My stuff] is not major league ready, which is annoying for me, but I’m getting there. It’s good to compete, good to get out there and face hitters and…