Nats won't rush Harper back from ingrown nail

Star eyes Friday return, but skipper says Saturday more likely

March 1st, 2018

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Nationals right fielder expressed his eagerness to return to game action after an ingrown toenail forced him off the field this week. But manager Dave Martinez is not so sure.
"He wants to play [Friday], but we'll see," Martinez said. "I'd like to push him back another day."
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Harper missed time in 2013 because of an ingrown toenail. Like then, the Nationals are taking every precaution with their superstar.
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"He did have a little minor surgery and took the day off, but he's doing good," Martinez said.
Updates on Adams, Eaton
First baseman Matt Adams has continued to progress from a blister, Martinez said. The team expects Adams to return to the lineup within the next two days.
"The blister's looking good," Martinez said. "But I'm so glad he took a couple days off. You don't ever want that to get infected."
Outfielder is still working out in full, but Washington's manager remained uncommitted to a date for Eaton to play.

"Eaton is doing well," Martinez said. "We're just going to ease his way back in, and when he's ready, he's ready."
Fifth-inning four spot
Washington mounted a comeback against Atlanta right-hander in the fifth inning of Thursday's 6-2 win, scoring four runs at Champion Stadium. started the inning with a ringing double to the right-center-field wall. reached on shortstop 's throwing error, increasing the pressure.
With one out, Kevin Gutierrez singled on a bloop that first baseman dropped along the right-field line, which enabled Marmolejos to score Washington's first run. walked to load the bases, then smoked a single up the middle to score Severino and Gutierrez, putting the Nationals ahead for the first time.
Wright exited in favor of lefty , who induced into a groundout to second. Brignac trotted home on the play for a 4-2 lead.
Up next
Right-hander Max Scherzer (1-0, 4.50 ERA) will make his second spring start Friday when the Nationals travel to Port St. Lucie, Fla., to face right-hander and the Mets at 1:10 p.m. ET at First Data Field.