Denard Span looking to "rev it up"

FLUSHING, N.Y. - Denard Span joined the Nationals this afternoon as his rehab progresses. The veteran center fielder picked up a bat for the first time since back spasms forced him to the 15-day disabled list on July 7. Span took around 30 swings off the tee in the indoor cage at Citi Field before going outside to throw.

"I've been doing a lot of physical therapy," Span said. "A lot of, seems like elementary, tedious type exercises trying to strengthen up my core and my back muscles. I'll see how I feel tomorrow."

The 31-year-old had never experienced back trouble before the spasms first occurred at the end of a loss to the Cubs at Nats Park on June 7. He only offered a "no comment" on if it was ever determined what the root of the issues was. However, he's battled back twice from two abdominal surgeries - hernia in December and core muscle in March - this season.

Span indicated he's been pain-free for the most part during his time away.

"Certain exercises kind of aggravate it a little bit, so I'm just being smart with staying away from those exercises that do aggravate it," Span said. "I think now I'm about to put the rubber to the road and see where I'm at and test it out ... just rev it up."

Span made it clear he doesn't expect his return to happen swiftly. He likened the process almost to spring training, saying he'll have to "work his butt off to get back" and regain his timing at the plate.

"I still have a long road ahead of me, per se," he said. "I think within the next week to week-and-a-half, I'm gonna have a lot of hurdles that I'm gonna be crossing. Each 24 hours is gonna let me know.

"Swinging hard, sprinting hard and seeing how I feel the next day. Seeing if my back locks up on me again or see if I have these aches and pains. I think if I can do those things and I feel good, then that will let me know I'm ready to come back."

Despite the frustrating injuries, Span continued producing at the plate when he was active. He hit .304/.367/.430 with five homers, 11 stolen bases and 22 RBIs in 59 games.

"I just think the timing of it sucks," Span said. "We have an opportunity to make the playoffs. These last two months are gonna be a lot of fun, I'm hoping that I'll be a part of that. That's been the toughest thing ... just being away from my teammates and this playoff push."