NEW YORK -- Ryan Madson (aka Blest for Players' Weekend) was back in the Nationals' clubhouse on Saturday, and the right-handed reliever could be available to pitch in a game as soon as early next week.
Madson, on the disabled list since Aug. 14 with lumbar nerve root irritation, believes that a week of work with personal trainer Jay Schroeder has brought him to the point where he can pitch without the back trouble that forced him out of action. Madson expects to throw a bullpen session in front of the Nationals' staff Sunday at Citi Field.