MIAMI -- As expected, getting back into a comfortable groove is taking time for Marlins lefty reliever Taylor Tankersley.

The 24-year-old, who started the season on the disabled list, has appeared in four games and he's given up one run in 3 2/3 innings. Last Thursday and Friday, he worked back-to-back games, and came away feeling strong.

"I'm getting closer to where I want to be every day," Tankersley said.

Hampered by a shoulder problem early in Spring Training, Tankersley hasn't had much game experience. He threw a few rehab assignments at Class A Jupiter, but didn't face big-league hitters until April 13 at Atlanta.

"It's still early for me, and I'm getting outs, but my stuff is not as good as it could be," he said. "Get outs and don't let them score, that's your job description. So that's what I'm trying to do."

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Tankersley is being eased back into action.

"He's healthy, and in a perfect world, we still want to take care of him a little bit," Gonzalez said.

As the season progresses, Tankersley projects to factor into the late-inning mix. He also could be a closer option down the line.

"It's just a matter of time," Tankersley said. "I'm still a little jumpy because it's early, and I feel too good, I'd guess you'd say. I'm not in that comfort zone. When you go all season, you get used to operating at 85 percent.

"I guess right now I feel so good, and you try to do more when you should do less. I'm just 24, though, and I'm still learning how to do what I do at the highest level. Hopefully, working myself into a rhythm won't be a problem when I am 29. But right now, I just got here and I'm still learning."

Gregg steps up: Kevin Gregg's three-inning, 55-pitch save on Sunday gave the rest of the bullpen a much needed breather.

Gonzalez turned to Gregg to follow-up Wes Obermueller in a 12-6 win over the Nationals.

Entering with two on and no outs in the seventh, Gregg went the distance, logging 55 pitches for his second career save.

"He's been told he will get two days [off], and maybe be back Friday," Gonzalez said.

Gregg may see action on Wednesday in the series finale with the Braves. If he doesn't throw that night, the team is off on Thursday, and Gregg would definitely be available on Friday in the series opener at Philadelphia.

Jacobs getting closer: Mike Jacobs, who bruised his right thumb in the 14th inning on Friday night, took some cuts in the batting cage, and he is getting closer to being back in the starting lineup.

"Jake is moving his thumb pretty good," Gonzalez said. "He's taking some BP, and we'll see."

Aaron Boone is filling in for Jacobs at first base.

"He's been a tremendous clubhouse guy," Gonzalez said of Boone. "He keeps guys loose, and he's vocal when he has to be."

De Aza takes cuts: Alejandro De Aza hit in the batting cages on Monday, marking the first time he has swung a bat since his pinch-hit performance on April 15 at Atlanta.

On the DL with a right ankle sprain, De Aza hasn't started running yet.

"I feel great," the rookie center fielder said. "I hope to get back soon."

Asked when he would start running again, he noted: "I have no idea."

De Aza is hitting soft toss pitches and off of a machine right now, as he is easing his way back. He says the cage work for now is helping him track the ball. He is eligible to come off the DL on May 1 at the Mets.

Uggla delivers: After going hitless in six at-bats in a 14-inning loss to the Nationals on Friday night, Dan Uggla's average slipped to .215.

In the two games following his rough night, the 2006 All-Star picked things up by going 5-for-8 with two home runs, a double and six RBIs.

Those two strong performances raised Uggla's batting average to .260 heading into the series with Atlanta.

Uggla broke out in a big way, especially on Sunday with the second two-run homer game of his career. His six RBIs were a personal game high.

"I've been scuffling all season long," Uggla said. "It's going to happen, but the sooner you can get out of it, the better. I've been expecting more of myself, than what I've been doing."

Fish bites: Jorge Julio threw a bullpen session at Dolphin Stadium on Monday afternoon, and he is set to throw a rehab assignment on Thursday at Class A Jupiter. ... Ricky Nolasco also is slated to pitch in that rehab assignment at Jupiter on Thursday. ... Sometimes there are batting practice hazards, and Monday was an example. While shagging fly balls in the outfield, reliever Matt Lindstrom collided with right fielder Joe Borchard. Both were fine. And in the infield, Jason Wood, while playing third, had to dodge away from a hard shot off the bat of Cody Ross. ... Josh Johnson is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on May 1 in Jupiter.

Up next: Continuing their series with Atlanta on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET, the Marlins will send rookie Rick Vanden Hurk (0-1, 9.00 ERA) to the mound, while the Braves are going with left-hander Mark Redman (0-3, 8.62 ERA).