WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg is getting close to returning.
The Washington Nationals hurler, out since June 8 with shoulder inflammation, threw 50 pitches during a simulated game Friday afternoon at Nationals Park.
"Stephen looks really good," manager Davey Martinez said. "We'll see how he feels, but he might be ready to go out on a rehab assignment possibly Tuesday. We'll see how he feels then, and maybe one more. But very encouraging."
If Strasburg were to make a rehab start on Tuesday followed by one after that, it would put him on target to return from the disabled list right after the All-Star break.