Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson is making progress from the wrist injury that sidelined him most of the 2008 season, according to manager Manny Acta.
Johnson played in just 38 games last season after tearing a tendon sheath in his right wrist swinging the bat on May 13 in a game against the New York Mets. He had already missed the final week of the 2006 season and all of 2007 with a broken leg.
Recommended Stories
“Nick is swinging underwater right now, trying to strengthen his wrist,” Acta said at the club’s uniform unveiling at ESPN Zone on Thursday. “And I would say that in a week he’ll be making contact hitting off the tee.”
Acta also said right-handed pitcher Shawn Hill recently saw renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews and that he will begin a throwing program later this month. Hill had surgery on Sept. 5 to clean out bone spurs in his right elbow. He is expected to be ready for spring training, although team officials have said they are not counting on him for a 2009 rotation spot.
