"The Nationals are monitoring outfielder Rick Ankiel's strained intercostal muscle and are hopeful he will not need to be placed on the disabled list for the second time this season. Ankiel received treatment from head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz this afternoon. He said he feels "better," but is not sure when he will return from the injury, which he suffered Tuesday night.

"I'm checking with these guys every day, making sure we're all on the same page," Ankiel said. "But nobody has a crystal ball, so you never know."

The intercostal strain can lead to significant time missed – that's what forced Ryan Zimmerman to miss the final 10 games of last year. But Manager Jim Riggleman said Ankiel did not severely strain his muscle."