Finally, one part is back.
The Washington Nationals reinstated infielder Anthony Rendon on Saturday from the 15-day disabled list. He is slated to hit second and play second base Saturday night in Pittsburgh.
Rendon missed 25 games because of a left quad strain after starting the season on the disabled list thanks to a left knee sprain suffered when he dove for a ground ball in spring training. Initially, the knee sprain was labeled by the team as a bruise that would just need time to heal. But, the injury dragged out.
Rendon has just 69 at-bats this season a year after finishing fifth in MVP voting following the conclusion of his second season in the major leagues. He won the Silver Slugger award for National League third baseman last season. He was also fourth in the major leagues WAR last season.
The Nationals hope that left fielder Jayson Werth [wrist] and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman [plantar fasciitis] are also close to returning.
Reliever Abel de Los Santos was sent back to Double-A Harrisburg to make room on the roster for Rendon.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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