It seems only fitting that Doolittle will transition to a coaching role with the Nationals just a few months after announcing his retirement following an 11-year career. The 37-year-old former big league reliever will reportedly serve as a bridge betwen Washington’s front office and pitching staff moving forward with a focus on stratefy, metchanics and mental preparation.

The 36-year-old southpaw is currently meeting with Nationals’ team doctors in Washington D.C. and will then travel to the club’s spring training facility in Florida to rehab. Once that’s done, he’s likely to head back to Triple-A Rochester where he’ll continue to get stretched out.

Good news for Doolittle, who is rehabbing from surgery last June to repair a partially-torn UCL in his left elbow. The 36-year-old has posted a 3.86 ERA and 10/2 K/BB ratio over seven innings between Single-A, High-A, and Double-A thus far. Barring any setbacks, he should be able to join the Nationals' bullpen before the end of the month.