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Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Friday that Gallo (hamstring) could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment later this week, MLB.com reports.
Washington had planned for Gallo to take reps at first base and in right field over the weekend, and if his left hamstring responded well to the defensive work, he'll likely get the green light to report to a minor-league affiliate. Gallo has been on the shelf since June 12 with the hamstring strain, so he'll likely need multiple games in the minors to regain his timing at the plate before making his return from the 10-day injured list. Juan Yepez and Alex Call are currently serving as the Nationals' primary options at first base and right field, respectively, but both have fared well during their latest stints in the big leagues. If Washington wants to keep carving out regular playing time Yepez and Call once Gallo returns, the Nationals could look to use Gallo at designated hitter, where the lefty-hitting Travis Blankenhorn has been filling the strong side of a platoon lately.
