Doolittle exited Thursday's game against Atlanta after suffering a right oblique injury in the ninth inning, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle entered to start the ninth, but exited after retiring Nick Markakis for the first out. The southpaw appeared to be motioning toward his oblique area as he called for trainers to come check on him. Manager Dave Martinez confirmed after the contest that it is indeed an oblique issue and that Doolittle will undergo further examination before the extent of the injury is determined. It will be unfortunate timing should the reliever be forced to miss an extended period, as he has tallied six consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run since returning from a knee injury Aug. 26.

Doolittle struck out two in a perfect eighth inning during Monday's loss to the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw entered the game with the Nats down 8-4, and he was able to get Didi Gregorius and Jay Bruce to swing through fastballs for his first two punchouts since coming off the injured list last week. It's been a tough season for Doolittle, and while the results Monday were encouraging, his heater topped out at 91.1 mph -- well below last year's 93.5 mph average. Unless he proves he can consistently get outs with reduced velocity, the 33-year-old is unlikely to work his way back into a share of the closer role.

Doolittle (knee) was activated from the injured list Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle has been cleared to rejoin the Nationals after spending around two weeks on the shelf with right knee inflammation. The southpaw struggled before landing on the injured list, so he'll likely be eased back into a setup role. Carter Kieboom was sent to Washington's satellite camp in a corresponding move.

Doolittle (knee) threw 24 pitches in a simulated game Friday at the Nationals' alternate training site, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to manager Dave Martinez, the southpaw "felt pretty good" afterwards. Doolittle is making progress, but there's still no timetable for his return to the bullpen.

Manager Dave Martinez said Doolittle (knee) could face live hitters Friday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle has been sidelined for a little more than a week with right knee inflammation, but he felt alright during a 20-pitch throwing session Wednesday and could ramp things up this weekend if he checks out OK in the coming days. A possible return date for the right-hander should emerge after Friday's session against live hitters.

Doolittle is dealing with some inflammation in his right knee, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, and manager Dave Martinez later revealed that the lefty is experiencing some inflammation. It's unclear how long Doolittle will be sidelined as a result. He's displayed decreased fastball velocity over his first several appearances, and the injury could have played a role in the downturn in production.

The Nationals placed Doolittle on the 10-day injured list Thursday with right knee fatigue, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Expected to challenge Daniel Hudson for the closer's role in the abbreviated season, Doolittle hasn't been able to reclaim his old post while giving up at least one run in all but one of his five appearances on the campaign. The lefty's fastball velocity has been down a few ticks this season, but it's unclear if his struggles are simply age-related or a byproduct of overcompensating for the sore knee. The Nationals are hoping it's the latter, as Doolittle will now be sidelined for at least the next week and a half before the team revisits bringing him back onto the 28-man active roster. Seth Romero was called up from the Nationals' taxi squad in a corresponding move.

Doolittle (0-1) allowed one run on two hits and a walk over 0.2 innings Sunday to take the loss as the Nationals fell 3-2 to the Yankees. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw entered the game in a non-save situation to begin the eighth inning with the score tied 2-2, but he wasn't able to shut down the Yankees' offense. Doolittle was expected to share closing duties with Daniel Hudson this season, but given that Hudson was manager Dave Martinez's first choice in the ninth during the club's World Series run last year, Doolittle's usage here should be a little concerning to those fantasy GMs counting on him for saves.

Doolittle said Sunday he thinks he's "planning on playing" in 2020, but if he starts "to feel unsafe" or it begins to impact his mental health, he may opt out of the season, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Numerous players have expressed their concerns after reporting to summer training this week, so Doolittle is hardly alone in his cautious approach. The veteran left-hander is poised to operate out of the ninth inning again in 2020, though he could end up splitting closer's duties with Daniel Hudson. Regardless, Doolittle will be filling a high-leverage role for the Nationals if he's on the field.

Doolittle will make his first appearance of the spring Sunday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The club has held the somewhat injury-prone southpaw back to begin camp, but Doolittle is ready to begin his Grapefruit League campaign in earnest. While he may end up splitting closer duties with Daniel Hudson, Doolittle will be firmly in the ninth-inning mix after racking up more than 20 saves each of the last four seasons.