Papelbon struck out all three batters he faced to notch his 17th save of the year Wednesday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon was on to protect three-run lead, and made it as easy as possible by not allowing a batted ball to be put in play. He's now converted 17 of 19 save opportunities on the year, and he lowered his ERA to 3.04.

Papelbon pitched a perfect top of the ninth inning in his return from a rib injury Monday, striking out two, in a 1-0 loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a save situation, but with the Nats trailing at home heading into the ninth there was no chance Papelbon would get a lead to protect. Shawn Kelley performed well as the closer in his absence, but it looks like Papelbon will immediately resume his duties at the head of the bullpen.

Papelbon (ribs) was activated from the 15-day DL on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon hasn't pitched in the majors since June 12 due to an intercostal strain, but has recently began pitching in rehab outings, tossing a scoreless inning for High-A Potomac, and two scoreless frames for Double-A Harrisburg. He allowed just one baserunner during those three near-perfect innings, so the team decided the veteran closer was ready for activation. Considering the fact that it wasn't a lengthy absence, Papelbon should immediately return to his role in the ninth inning.

Papelbon (ribs) will pitch Friday and Saturday on a rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg, Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon began his rehab assignment Monday with High-A Potomac, but he'll continue to move up the organizational ranks as he gets closer to a return. He said following his first rehab appearance that he felt good enough to come off the DL, so he may be available out of the Washington bullpen as soon as his two-game stint at Double-A wraps up.

Papelbon (ribs) said he felt great after throwing 30 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is good news for the Nationals as Papelbon appears to be getting close to full strength. The 35-year-old will now go to Double-A Harrisburg to throw back-to-back days before making his return in early July. Papelbon has saved 16 games in 18 chances this season and will get back to closing games once he rejoins the team.

Papelbon (ribs) said after his rehab start Monday that he feels ready to return, but expects to throw in a simulated game first, Chase Hughes of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon threw a perfect inning for High-A Potomac in his first action since June 12, recording a strikeout. Evidently, the 35-year-old closer could be on his way back within the next week, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

Papelbon (intercostal strain) will begin a rehab assignment Monday at High-A Potomac, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday, just 12 days after last pitching in a game. He's eligible to return from the disabled list Tuesday, and is seemingly on track to rejoin the Nationals shortly thereafter. Shawn Kelley has converted three of four save opportunities while filling in as closer, with the only blown save partially caused by a two-run error. Papelbon still figures to retake the role, having converted 16 of his 18 chances this season.

Papelbon is hoping to start a rehab stint on Monday, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon, sidelined since June 13 with rib soreness, threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday and is hoping to begin a rehab assignment Monday. If all goes well over the weekend and next week with a likely assignment, the 35-year-old could return to the Nationals' bullpen before the All-Star break.

Papelbon (ribs) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The intercostal muscles which Papelbon strained in mid-June did not present any issues during the side session. He may need to face live hitters once or twice, but Papelbon appears to be inching close to a rehab assignment. While Shawn Kelley has filled in admirably in Papelbon's absence, it would be a surprise if Papelbon didn't return to the closer role upon activation.

Papelbon (intercostal) has not updated his timetable but says he is back to throwing, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Intercostal strains have a tendency to linger, so it's a good sign that Papelbon is already up and throwing within a week of heading to the disabled list. Still, he has a long way to go, and it's too early to assume he'll be able to make it back to the mound by his earliest possible return date, June 28. Expect him to go on a short rehab assignment before he returns to closing for the Nationals.