Harper stepping up workouts with injured thumb

WASHINGTON -- Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper has started participating in minor strengthening and flexibility workouts without a brace on for the torn ligament in his left thumb he sustained on April 25.

The 21-year-old slugger has also started hitting with one hand in the cage and has continued to work out and lift weights during his time out.

"He's doing all the things that he can possibly do outside of the thumb," manager Matt Williams said.

Williams said it is still early in the rehab process and the injury is still healing. As a result, the manager is proceeding with caution and taking it slow in regards to the extent of Harper's activity.

"He's progressing," Williams said. "It takes a while to heal that, though. I think he's really right on track."