WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Jesus Flores declined to say that he is done for the season because of a left ankle injury. He wants to rest the ankle and see if he can play again before the season ends on Sept. 28 in Philadelphia.

In fact, Flores went so far as to say that the ankle is getting better; however, there is still swelling, and he has a tough time squatting. He has been able to do some running and play catch.

"The doctor said I have to wait a little bit more and get little more rest because it's still swollen," Flores said.

Flores hurt his ankle on Sept. 2 against the Phillies at Nationals Park. In the top of the third, with runners on first and third and two outs, Nationals left-hander John Lannan tried to pick off Jayson Werth. As the throw was going toward first baseman Ronnie Belliard, Chase Utley tried to steal home.

Utley crashed into Flores shoulder-first at the plate and was tagged out. Flores tried to get up, but went down to the ground in pain.

After the season is over, Flores is planning to play ball for the Magallanes Navigators of the Venezuelan Winter League. This time, he is looking to play every day. In the past few years, Flores has been a reserve for the team.