Quick pregame update for you: Jason Bergmann is ready to come off the DL. The right-hander threw seven shutout innings for Columbus last night, striking out nine, and the Nationals have determined there's no reason to wait any longer to bring him back from a hamstring injury. Bergmann will join the club in Los Angeles Sunday night and could start Tuesday against the Dodgers.

The news isn't as good for a couple other injured right-handers. John Patterson had a setback down in Viera, complaining of soreness in his forearm after throwing a bullpen session. Patterson has been shut down and will undergo something called "active release therapy" -- sounds like a fancy way of saying muscle relaxatation treatment -- until he no longer feels any strain on his arm.

Jason Simontacchi also experienced pain while throwing in Viera, in his elbow, and is expected to have surgery Tuesday to remove a bone spur. Dr. James Andrews will examined Simontacchi Monday in Birmingham. If he has the surgery, he won't pitch again this season.