Nationals' Harper: 'I think it's going to take a little time to get back into it'

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who returned to the lineup Monday after missing roughly two months with a thumb injury, understands that it's tough to have immediate success after such a lengthy absence.

"I think it's going to take a little time to get back into it," Harper told MLB.com's Bill Ladson. "I'm trying to have good at-bats and not chase bad pitches. I'm trying to get in a groove again and trying to get going. With two months off, it's kind of tough trying to get back and do things."

Harper, who was slotted into the No. 6 spot in the lineup Sunday for a second successive game, is just 4-for-18 (.222) since returning from the disabled list.

"We won the ballgame yesterday and that's the biggest thing," said Harper. "That's all I ever care about. I know my swing is going to come. It will get there. If we win a ballgame, it will be a lot easier to get going."