Stitches out, Harper working out in DC

WASHINGTON -- Bryce Harper is back in Washington and moving along in the process of returning from his injured thumb.

The outfielder tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb on April 27, and he underwent surgery two days later.

"The stitches are out and he's in a brace," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "He is going to get checked out as well next week by the doctor and go see the specialist."

Harper has been visiting a specialist in Cleveland and will head back there next week.

While he's in Washington, though, Harper's lifting and working toward being at full strength when he returns, although that still involves plenty of waiting.

"He's still very early in the process," Williams said. "Once he's healed, though, he's able to do everything he wants to do."