"Catcher Ivan Rodriguez took roughly 35 to 50 swings off a tee this afternoon at Turner Field, and the 14-time all-star said there were no setbacks during his first cuts since a strained right oblique muscle landed him on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 7.

Rodriguez did not swing at full speed, though, and he isn't yet ready to take live batting practice. He said he has been essentially pain-free over the past few days and that there's no discomfort in his throwing motion.

"I didn't swing hard, but everything was okay," Rodriguez said. "Everything is good so far."

The injury happened during batting practice before Washington's 10-9 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park. Rodriguez was a late scratch from the lineup that night, and he received extensive treatment during the game while Wilson Ramos took his place."