MLB Notes: Nationals’ Bryce Harper progressing following injury
Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper took swings during batting practice Sunday for the first time since hyperextending his left knee on Aug. 12.
Harper previously had taken cuts in the batting cage, but was on the field before the Nationals’ series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His session included several shots deep into the stands at Nationals Park.
“Just trying to get out there and trying put the bat on the ball and just try to be as fluid as I can and try to get my swing back,” said the 2015 N.L. MVP, who is second in the N.L. with a .326 batting average.
The N.L. East champions open the NLDS on Oct. 6.
“I hope so. That’s definitely in my head,” Harper said of a return goal. “That’s what I want to do. That’s where I want to be. But it takes time.”
He was injured at home against the Giants when he awkwardly landed on the slick first base bag during a game that was delayed by rain. Washington placed the All-Star on the disabled list the following day.
“It just happened. It’s something I can’t control,” Harper said. “It definitely was a freak accident. We put it behind us as quick as possible and tried to get everything going as quick as we could. And then it was all behind me. I didn’t really worry about it much.”
The right fielder said he tested the knee Sunday running to first base. “Felt fine. Just super-easy. Just kind of jogging to first and trying to get the feel for it again. Running to first feels a lot more comfortable than running on the track. “
Harper said timing in the batter’s box could be a process. If his return matches the start of the postseason, he’ll have to adjust on the fly.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough thing,” Harper said. “If we play Chicago, I might be facing Jon Lester for my first at-bat in six weeks. That’s a tough task. It’s going to take some time. Hopefully, I can get back and get going a little sooner than later.”
Harper was succinct with his biggest physical test remaining.
“Playing in a baseball game. That’s going to be the biggest thing, getting in there and playing the game and feeling good,” he said.
Indians celebrate division crown
The Cleveland Indians have raised a flag to commemorate their second straight A.L. Central title, and later they’ll spray champagne.
It’s a celebration, and they hope it’s also practice for bigger parties ahead.
Cleveland clinched the division crown Saturday night when second-place Minnesota lost to Toronto. When the championship became official, the clubhouse was empty, as the Indians had left Progressive Field hours earlier following a win over Kansas City.
Before playing their series finale against the Royals, the Indians gathered in front of their dugout and watched as a symbol of their accomplishment was hoisted, capping a week in which they ran off baseball’s longest winning streak in 101 years.
The Indians have bigger goals. After losing the World Series in seven games to the Chicago Cubs last season, they believe this is their year to end a title drought.
Clearing the bases
Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong returned in the lineup after being sidelined by back spasms. Wong left in the seventh inning of Friday’s 8-2 loss to the Cubs. CF Dexter Fowler also was in the lineup after he was hit on the hand by a pitch in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 4-1 loss. … Cubs C Willson Contreras’ two-game suspension for his argument with umpire Jordan Baker was reduced to one game, and he served the penalty in the finale of their weekend series against the Cardinals. … Marlins SS Miguel Rojas left the game against Milwaukee after appearing to hurt his left arm while diving for a ground ball in the second inning.