Ramos physically healthy

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- A week after being freed from his abductors in Venezuela, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been checked by team doctors during a quick trip to Washington.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says Ramos is "in terrific shape" and heads back home to Venezuela later Friday.

Rizzo says Ramos plans to play for his winter league team there as soon Tuesday.

During a news conference at Nationals Park, Ramos made a brief statement, thanking fans for their prayers and support. He did not take questions.

Venezuelan authorities have charged eight suspects in connection with the 24-year-old Ramos' kidnapping. He was seized at gunpoint outside his family's home in the city of Valencia last week and was rescued by police commandos two days later in the mountains of Carabobo state.