Washington Nationals starter Dan Haren felt encouraged after throwing a bullpen session on Sunday, Amanda Comak of the Washington Times is reporting.
Dan Haren injury update: Nationals RHP throws bullpen session
Haren is hopeful that he will spend no more than the minimum 15 days on the DL.
Patrick McDermott
Haren discussed his bullpen session with the reporter, telling Comak:
I feel better than I thought I would. It was more noticeable than I thought. I felt pretty good even when I went on the DL, but maybe there was more going on than I thought because I really did feel really good. The ball was coming out really good. It was easier to get throwing 100 percent, where before it was taking like maximum effort to get the ball to the plate.”
The Nationals placed Haren on the disabled list last week with shoulder weakness. The veteran received a cortisone shot on Monday, and threw for the first time Thursday. Haren has been hopeful that he will only spend the minimum 15-days on the disabled list, and the bullpen session is another positive development.
Nationals to activate Harper from DL
The outfielder will return after missing one month with a left knee injury The starer is expected to throw a simulated game on Wednesday, then throw a second bullpen session a few days later. Washington can activate Haren off the disabled list on July 8.
Haren struggled in the first half of the season, going 4-9 with a 6.15 ERA over 15 starts.
Taylor Jordan will take Haren's spot in the rotation until the veteran is able to return. Jordan made his major-league debut on Saturday, and allowed three runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings against the New York Mets.
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