Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has never been one to dial back his intensity, but he told the Washington Post Saturday he is not planning to push himself too hard in his recovery from a knee injury.
Harper has already tried to play through the case of bursitis in his left knee, and he plans to take his time in his return from the injury this time. Harper may not begin his minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.
"I want to take as much time and take as many days as I can," Harper said. "I don't want to just rush into things. If I play Wednesday or Thursday, that's great. If I don't, I'm not going to. If it takes five days, it's going to take five days. If it takes two, then it's going to take two. If it takes more than that, that's how it’s going to be."
Harper's manager, Davey Johnson, had a bit of a different take, however, telling reporters that he will ultimately decide Harper's timeline.
"I'll have a conversation with him about that," Johnson said. "When a player starts playing, it's really up to me, what I think they need. It's not up to the player. I'm always trying to do what’s best for the player. But at the same time, it's my job to know when they’re ready and when they’re not."
Harper took grounders in the outfield and took flyballs over his shoulder Saturday, and he plans to take batting practice Sunday for the first time.