Washington Nationals closer Brad Lidge took one step closer to getting back in the game on Monday. According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, Lidge threw off flat ground on Monday. It was the first time since his surgery to do that.

Lidge's return is targeted for the second or third week of June, if his rehabilitation schedule stays on track. Lidge had surgery to repair a sports hernia on May 1.

Washington signed Lidge to a one-year, $1 million free agent deal in January. His last appearance came on April 21 against the Marlins.

Injuries plagued Lidge last season with the Phillies. He made 25 appearances for just over 19 innings and one save last year, to go with a 23/13 strike out-to-walk ratio. A rotator cuff injury put him on the shelf for 97 games.

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