Strasburg on pace for Wednesday return

Stephen Strasburg could be on track for a mid-week return.

The Washington Nationals aren't making any promises, but after the 28-year-old threw yet another successful bullpen session on Sunday, manager Dusty Baker revealed that Strasburg could return from the disabled list to start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.

"Possibly," Baker told reporters Sunday, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. "But again, we want to see how he came out of today. So, we'll see. That would be big and good news for us."

A.J. Cole has substituted for Strasburg since the All-Star hurler was placed on the disabled list with right elbow soreness on Aug. 22. Cole's next scheduled start would be Wednesday, though the club hasn't officially penciled him in. That leaves the opportunity open for Strasburg, who's eligible to be activated off the disabled list Monday.

Strasburg's return would be a welcome boost for the Nationals who are looking to mathematically lock up first place in the NL East. While Cole has been serviceable in his absence, Strasburg has been dominant all season, crafting a 3.59 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with a 15-4 record in 23 starts.