MLB Player News

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will begin his rehab assignment Monday, according to The Washington Post.

Harper will play Monday and Tuesday at Class A Potomac. He has a planned day off Wednesday. The team will evaluate Harper at that point in order to determine the next step in the process. Harper has been out since late April following thumb surgery.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has been cleared for game action, according to FoxSports.com.

Harper is set to begin a rehab assignment at Class A Potomac. It's unclear how much time he'll need before he's ready to return to the majors. Harper has been able to take batting practice at the park the past few days, and did not report any significant issues with his surgically repaired thumb. He's been sidelined since late April with the injury.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was able to take batting practice on the field Friday, according to CSN.

Belt said he felt no vibrations on his injured thumb while hitting. Belt has also been playing catch and throwing lightly. Once Belt is capable of throwing with more force, he should begin a rehab assignment. He's expected to receive a fair amount of at-bats before he's activated. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was feeling some pain in his surgically repaired left thumb Friday, but that is not a reason to be concern, as manager Matt Williams told ESPN.com.

"[That pain] is to be expected, because he's doing a lot of strength stuff," Williams said. "But he was able to swing today with no issues and drive the ball. So he's right on schedule."

Harper took part in batting and fielding practice for the second straight day Friday, and could go on a minor-league rehab assignment once the team's current home stand ends.

"Once we get on the road, he could head out and get started with that process," Williams said.

Harper could be back in the lineup for the Nationals by the first of July, assuming he avoids any setbacks. 

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Padres for the first time since June 12, as he has recovered from a calf injury. Turner has been limited to pinch-hitting over the last week. 

Matt Williams said that both outfielder Bryce Harper and catcher Wilson Ramos could be on the verge of heading out on rehab assignments.

Williams told the Nationals website that Ramos (hamstring) could embark on his rehab as early as this weekend with Harper (thumb) going out next week.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper expects to play between seven and nine rehab games before returning, according to CSN.

Harper is attempting to come back after thumb surgery. He was able to take batting practice on the field Thursday, and reportedly performed well. Harper was hitting .289 in 83 at-bats prior to his injury.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper took batting practice Thursday, according to The Washington Post.

Harper is recovering from thumb surgery. He reportedly looked good during the session, hitting a ball out to left and almost taking another shot to the upper deck in right. Manager Matt Williams has said he expects Harper back July 1.

As expected, Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton did not miss a beat after leaving the game Wednesday with a wrist injury sustained when he collided with the wall trying to make a play. He is in the lineup for the Thursday night clash against the Mets.

Dodgers infielder Justin Turner will not return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Turner has been out of the starting lineup since last Thursday, though he's been able to pinch hit three times since that day, including Tuesday night. He'll target the team's weekend series against the Padres to rejoin the starting lineup after dealing with a calf injury this week.