Jonathan Papelbon Injury: Updates on Nationals RP's Intercostal Strain, Return

Washington Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon had been recovering from an intercostal strain and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 14, but he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates. 

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Papelbon Reinstated from DL

Monday, July 4

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Latest on Papelbon's Rehab

Wednesday, June 29

Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reported Papelbon is "tentatively scheduled" to pitch on back-to-back days with Harrisburg on Friday and Saturday.

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Papelbon Comments on Recovery

Saturday, June 25 

MASNSports.com's Pete Kerzel noted that Papelbon stated he "felt great" after throwing a 40-pitch bullpen session. 

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Baker Comments on Papelbon's Injury

Tuesday, June 14

Manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Papelbon suffered the injury warming up on Sunday, adding that participating in a postgame celebration "didn't help."

On Monday, Baker told reporters his closer "was feeling pretty sore, and he was ailing, so we didn’t really have Pap tonight."

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Papelbon Placed on DL, Belisle Called Up

Tuesday, June 14

According to Dan Kolko of MASNSports.com, Papelbon was placed on the disabled list, and the Nationals activated Matt Belisle from the DL to take his spot.   

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Nationals Had Depth to Handle Papelbon's Absence

The Nationals did not use Papelbon in June 13's 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Per Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, Papelbon was in the Nationals clubhouse prior to the game and was "seemingly moving around as normal." The 35-year-old pitched June 12 against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing one run and earning the win thanks to Jayson Werth's walk-off single. 

This has been an unusual season for Papelbon. He's still getting saves because the Nationals are one of the league's best teams, but his fastball velocity (90.7 mph) and strikeout rate (6.9) are the worst marks of his career, per FanGraphs. 

Stats per FanGraphs.