WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Doug Fister threw two innings at extended spring training in Florida and could join the Nationals in about three weeks "assuming all goes well," manager Matt Williams said.
Williams said Fister had "no issues" Thursday.
Fister is on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 23 with a strained back muscle.
The plan is for Fister, acquired from Detroit in an offseason trade, to get five days' rest before increasing to three innings. He will then head to a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment for "probably a couple" starts, Williams said.
"We've got to build him like we would build him in spring. I think he's a little bit ahead of the game in that regard, but certainly would like him to get five innings somewhere, at least," Williams said.