Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (knee) played three innings at third base during an extended spring training game Tuesday, manager Matt Williams told reporters.
Rendon is scheduled for five innings Wednesday before resting Thursday. He then might begin a rehab assignment Friday.
Williams added Rendon could get some playing time on his rehab assignment at second base. However, he has only played third base thus far because it is less physically demanding.
Williams said Rendon told him Monday night that his knee is no longer bothering him. Rendon sprained the MCL in his left knee diving for a baseball during a March 9 spring game.
“It does get a little stiff but the pain has subsided,” Williams said, per The Washington Post. “That’s a real good sign that it’s not an issue. Beyond that, it’s getting in shape. Anything that has to do with your legs and not being able to do much then you’re not in baseball shape. So we want to make sure that he’s in shape and his legs are underneath him.
"So beyond the pain, that’s probably the biggest thing. His swing will come. The timing will come. We don’t want him getting out there too quickly and not being in baseball shape and being ready to go.”