Report: Nationals optimistic Harper will return next week
The Washington Nationals hope to welcome a huge addition back into their lineup to finish out the regular season.
2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper was impressive in a workout Tuesday, which included running, throwing, and hitting, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, who reports the Nationals are optimistic the 24-year-old will return next week.
Harper has been sidelined for more than a month since being carted off the field Aug. 12 with a hyperextended left knee. The 24-year-old outfielder slipped on first base while trying to run out a ground ball against the San Francisco Giants.
He was also diagnosed with a bone bruise and a calf strain, although no ligament damage was discovered.
Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo told MLB Network Radio last Friday that Harper had been progressing cautiously, but that the team was optimistic he'd return in time for the postseason. Now, it looks like Harper may be fast-tracking.
"Harp has been doing some baseball activities," Rizzo said. "He is progressing at a cautious pace. We are optimistic that he will be here for playoff baseball and we're moving towards those ends.
"He really lengthens the lineup and is an impact guy in the middle that everybody that we play has to account for. He makes it easier for everybody around him."
Before the injury, Harper was hitting .326/.419/.614 with 29 home runs and 87 RBIs across 106 games for Washington.