Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said on Sunday that Janssen (shoulder) is making progress, but he wouldn't give a timetable for his return, the Washington Post reports. The Nats are still trying to sort out the most effective set-up crew for closer Drew Storen, so Janssen should still get an opportunity to work his way into a high-leverage role if he's able to return in the next couple of weeks.

Janssen (shoulder) began his throwing program Friday. He is working his way back from rotator cuff tendinitis and it could be a couple weeks before he is able to rejoin the team.

Janssen will head to the Nationals' spring training facility in the near future to continue rehabbing his shoulder, the Washington Post reports. He's dealing with some rotator cuff tendinitis, and as yet there's no firm timetable for Janssen to come off the DL and make his Nats debut.

Janssen (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports. Janssen continues to deal with shoulder tendinitis, which will cost him through April 11 at the bare minimum. With Janssen on the shelf, Xavier Cedeno was able to lock down one of the final bullpen spots on the Opening Day roster.

Manager Matt Williams indicated Monday that an MRI revealed Janssen is dealing with tendinitis in his right shoulder. While Williams indicated that Janssen's long-term status but his Opening Day status may be in question. If that turns out to be the case, it could open a a spots in the bullpen for both Aaron Barrett and Blake Treinen to begin the season.

Janssen's (shoulder) MRI revealed soreness and he will need rest, James Wagner of The Washington Post reports. The Nationals may have to begin the season without Janssen in their bullpen, leaving spots for both Aaron Barrett and Blake Treinen in the early weeks of the season. Janssen's injury also provides more leash for closer Drew Storen, as the Nats' top potential replacement for the ninth-inning role will be unavailable.

Janssen will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder Monday, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports. Manager Matt Williams indicated Janssen had trouble getting loose Sunday, so the MRI is likely precautionary to ensure there's nothing structurally wrong. He's expected to serve in a late-inning role with the Nationals when healthy, and could be in line for saves if Drew Storen were to get injured.

Janssen has a 4.50 ERA and 5:2 K:BB ratio through six innings this spring. His role in the Nationals' bullpen isn't entirely clear yet, but given Janssen's late inning experience he will likely open the season as part of Drew Storen's set-up crew, and he could be first in line to get a crack at the closer job if Storen struggles. His lack of big strikeout numbers severely limits his fantasy value if he isn't getting saves, however.

Janssen signed a one-year contract with the Nationals on Wednesday that includes a mutual option for 2016, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports. Although the veteran racked up 81 saves for the Blue Jays over the last three seasons, his average fastball velocity was below 90 for the first time in his career in 2014, leading to an increased ERA and WHIP with a lower strikeout rate. He could work his way into ninth inning duty in Washington if Drew Storen struggles, but most likely Janssen heads into spring training as part of the Nationals' set-up crew.

Janssen was battered again Friday night, allowing three runs on five hits while recording just one out to blow his 5th save of the season and take the loss in a 9-8 extra-innings loss to Boston. Janssen has endured an absolutely miserable second half with a combination of poor location and bad luck, probably made worse by a balky shoulder he has pitched through all season. His ERA has ballooned to 4.38, and there is a good chance young Aaron Sanchez will see many of the save opportunities over the remainder of the year.