CHICAGO -- Stephen Strasburg threw an extended bullpen session on Saturday afternoon, clearing his latest hurdle as he works his way back from the disabled list. As Strasburg walked off the field, he told manager Dave Martinez he felt really good during his 64-pitch bullpen session, his biggest test since landing on the DL with a pinched nerve in his neck.
The next step for Strasburg is a simulated game on Wednesday and then perhaps a Minor League rehab assignment before he rejoins Washington's rotation. The Nats would like to have Strasburg back before the start of a three-game set with the Phillies -- one of the teams they are chasing in the standings -- from Aug 21-23, so there is a chance if all goes well that he would not require a rehab start.