Harper on mend, working on swing

Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper took swings during batting practice Sunday for the first time since hyperextending his left knee on Aug. 12.

The Las Vegas native previously had taken cuts in the batting cage but was on the field before the Nationals’ series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His session included several shots deep into the stands at Nationals Park.

“Just trying to get out there and trying put the bat on the ball and just try to be as fluid as I can and try to get my swing back,” said the 2015 National League MVP, who is second in the NL with a .326 batting average.

The NL East champions open their division series on Oct. 6, when Harper said he hopes to return to the lineup.

Harper remains second on Washington with 29 home runs this season despite missing 34 games.

He was injured at home against the Giants when he awkwardly landed on the slick first base bag during a game that was delayed by rain. Washington placed the All-star on the disabled list the following day.

The right fielder said he tested the knee Sunday running to first base. “Felt fine,” he said. “Just kind of jogging to first and trying to get the feel for it again.”

Royals: Catcher Salvador Perez (intercostal strain), who has sat out three straight games, is expected to return to Kansas City’s lineup Tuesday, manager Ned

Yost said. Also, left-hander Danny Duffy (left elbow strain) was activated from the disabled list.

Reds: Corner infielder D.J. Peterson was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, and right-handed reliever

Drew Storen, who will undergo elbow ligament replacement surgery this week, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Indians: Second baseman Jason Kipnis

(right hamstring strain) was activated from the disabled list and started Sunday in center field for his first game in the outfield since rookie ball in 2009.

Cubs: Catcher Willson Contreras’ two-game suspension for his argument with umpire Jordan Baker was reduced to one game after an appeal, and he served the penalty Sunday.

Cardinals: Second baseman Kolten Wong returned to St. Louis’ lineup after being sidelined Saturday by back spasms. He sat out with the same ailment Sept. 4-8.

Red Sox: Right fielder Mookie Betts (right thumb contusion) exited Boston’s loss at Tampa Bay in the first inning and is day to day, manager John Farrell said.

Orioles: Left-handed reliever Tanner Scott’s contract was purchased from Double-a Bowie, and right-handed reliever Richard Rodriguez was designated for assignment.

Giants: Left-handed reliever Will Smith played catch Sunday for the first time since undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery in March.

Marlins: Shortstop Miguel Rojas left Miami’s loss at Milwaukee after straining his left shoulder while diving for a secondinning ground ball.

Astros: Third baseman Colin Moran (concussion, facial fractures) was activated from the disabled list.