Nationals' Joe Blanton: Roughly one week from return

Blanton (shoulder) will need to pitch in back-to-back games prior to returning to full action, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

Manager Dusty Baker commented that Blanton felt good Thursday evening in the first game of his rehab assignment, and he looked good as well. The veteran fanned two batters in a perfect inning of work for Double-A Harrisburg. If all goes as planned, it seems like Blanton could be back with the Nationals in about a week, although things should solidify as he makes more rehab appearances.