HARPER TAKES BP, RETURN UNCERTAIN

Bryce Harper is one step closer to returning.

Prior to the Washington Nationals’ game Sunday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Harper took batting practice on the field for the first time since injuring his knee over a month ago.

“Just trying to get out there and trying to put the bat on the ball,” said the all-star right fielder, who hit in an early session along with injured teammate Stephen Drew prior to Washington’s full-squad batting practice. “Just try to be as fluid as I can and try to get my swing back.”

On Aug. 12, Harper injured his left knee when he landed awkwardly on a slippery first base trying to beat out an infield grounder in the first inning of a rain-delayed game against the San Francisco Giants. The Nationals originally called the gruesome-looking knee injury a bone bruise, but it was later revealed that Harper also suffered a calf strain.

Harper has since resumed light activities, including jogging and hitting off a tee. Last Tuesday, the 24-year-old ran from foul to foul pole on the Nationals Park warning track six times. Although he had previously taken swings in the batting cage, Sunday afternoon was his first time doing so in plain view.

Suspension down to 1 game.

The suspension of Cubs catcher Willson Contreras was reduced from two games to one, and he served the ban Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was suspended and given an undisclosed fine by Major League Baseball for “inappropriate actions” during Friday’s game against the Cardinals.

Contreras threw down his catcher’s mask moments after Cubs pitcher John Lackey was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing with umpire Jordan Baker. The mask made contact with Baker’s leg, and Contreras also was ejected after confronting Baker. — The Associated Press