NEW YORK (AP) — Washington Nationals infielder Paul DeJong, sidelined since his nose was broken by a pitch in mid-April, is taking batting practice and could soon start a minor league rehab assignment.
DeJong took BP on Wednesday with a face protector flap and hit against right-hander Derek Law in a simulated game — and will do so again in a few days, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.
“If everything goes well, he’s pretty close,” Martinez said. “He’s itching to go back and play. I know he’s got to go back to see the doctor one more time and then after that hopefully we can get him out.”
from Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller on April 15, fracturing his nose, orbital and orbital floor. The 31-year-old
Law has been sidelined since spring training with right forearm inflammation. The 34-year-old right-hander threw 25 pitches, reaching 93 mph, and mixed in sliders and changeups.
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