Stephen Strasburg is getting close to returning.

The Nationals hurler, out since June 8 with shoulder inflammation, threw 50 pitches during a simulated game Friday afternoon at Nationals Park.

"Stephen looks really good," manager Davey Martinez said. "We'll see how he feels, but he might be ready to go out on a rehab assignment possibly Tuesday. We'll see how he feels then, and maybe one more. But very encouraging."