Belisle pitched two scoreless innings in relief of a shaky Max Scherzer on Thursday, allowing no hits and walking one without a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

He's had a solid start to the season, posting a 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through his first five innings, but Belisle is buried in middle relief for the Nationals and his 2:1 K:BB doesn't suggest he'll be able to maintain those strong ratios. Barring injuries that push him into higher-leverage situations, Belisle is probably best left on the waiver wire.

Belisle will open the season in the Nationals' bullpen, MLB.com's William Ladson reports.

EDGE Analysis

Belisle entered camp as a non-roster invitee, but he will exit it as a member of the Nationals' bullpen. Expect Belisle, who posted a 2.67 ERA but a 1.46 WHIP in 34 games with the Cardinals last season, to work as a middle reliever with his new club.

The Nationals and Belisle agreed to a minor league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Belisle has been a mainstay in the majors in each of the past six campaigns, with his last minor league appearance occurring in 2009. As a 35-year-old last season, he actually produced modest results for the Cardinals, including a 2.67 ERA, 1.455 WHIP, and 25:15 K:BB in 33.2 innings. The right-hander will attempt to replicate that success in an attempt to land a spot in the Nationals' bullpen.

Belisle (elbow) will be activated before Saturday's regularly scheduled game, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will be available out of the bullpen Saturday and will help strengthen an already loaded Cardinals bullpen down the stretch.

Belisle (elbow) faced live hitters Friday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Belisle began throwing in July, but appears to now be nearing a return. He'll likely need to go on a brief rehab stint before being activated, but a mid-September return to the big league club should be within reach.

Belisle (elbow) will ramp up his throwing program and should begin throwing off the mound soon, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Belisle was given a positive diagnosis by Dr. James Andrews before returning from Florida, he's likely still a few weeks away from returning to the bullpen.

Belisle (elbow) has resumed throwing, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Belisle isn't expected to be ready for the start of the second half, but he could be back with the Cardinals by the end of July. Once healthy, he'll return to a middle-relief role.

Belisle was placed on the DL on Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation. Belisle will land on the DL retroactive to June 26, but he's unlikely to return until after the All-Star break. The Cardinals called up right-hander Marcus Hatley from Triple-A Memphis to take his place in the bullpen.

Belisle picked up the win out of the bullpen Saturday against Milwaukee, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing just one hit while striking out two. Belisle hasn't been terribly busy as this was just his second appearance in the last eight days. Still the veteran righty has pitched in seven games for the Cardinals and is sporting a perfect ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.

Belisle is expected to make the Opening Day roster, MLB.com reports. Belisle signed with the Cardinals in December, coming over from Colorado, and will try to rebound from a down 2014 that saw him post a 4.87 ERA. Belisle has pitched in eight games this spring, logging 7.0 innings without allowing a run, giving up five hits and two walks with nine strikeouts.