"Ivan Rodriguez experienced another setback during his recovery from a right oblique strain and will travel to Philadelphia for a second opinion from Dr. Bill Meyers, the specialist who performed surgery to repair Ryan Zimmerman's torn abdominal muscle earlier this season.

Rodriguez, 39, has been on the disabled list since July 8, the day after he suffered an oblique during batting practice. He spent a week with his own trainer in Miami, where he lives. Rodriguez hoped to heal quickly, but an oblique strain is perhaps the most annoying, frustrating injury that can befall a baseball player.

"I know how anxious Pudge is to get back," Manager Davey Johnson said. "I'm sure he's been pushing it, and I'm sure he aggravated it by pushing it."

The takeaway for the Nationals is that Jesus Flores will continue to serve as Wilson Ramos's backup longer than expected. While adjusting to the role, Flores has gone 5 for 29 with a walk and a double since the Nationals recalled him from Class AAA Syracuse. After opponents stole successfully in their first seven tries against him, Flores has thrown out three of the past four runners who tried to steal against him."