Dave Martinez gives updates on Ryan Zimmerman, other injured Nationals

The Washington Nationals are slowly and surely getting healthier.

Manager Dave Martinez provided updates on a number of the team’s best players on the disabled list before Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler threw a bullpen session Wednesday and catcher Matt Wieters recently caught a session. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman has been hitting and taking ground balls, Martinez said.

Martinez said he will consult with Paul Lessard, director of athletic training, about Kintzler’s progress to determine the next step for the righty. Entering Wednesday, Kintzler (1-2, 4.45 ERA in 31 games) has missed eight games with a forearm flexor strain in his throwing arm.

While Wieters is able to crouch in order to catch bullpens, his left hamstring strain has kept him from running, but Martinez was optimistic about his progress.

“The biggest thing for him is the running part,” Martinez said. “He’s doing everything. He’s strengthening every day. He’s actually doing really well.”

Wieters (.231 in 23 games) has missed 32 games since being placed on the DL May 11. Zimmerman (.217 in 33 games), who suffered his right oblique strain the same weekend, has missed 33.

“Right now it’s just getting (Zimmerman) to where he feels comfortable taking full reps and eventually, hopefully we’re getting him out on a rehab assignment,” Martinez said.

Martinez also confirmed the team was taking care not to rush Stephen Strasburg back to the mound.

“You hit it on the nose. We’re really gonna take our time and make sure he’s 100 percent,” Martinez said.

Strasburg (6-6, 3.46 ERA) went on the DL June 10 with right shoulder inflammation.